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THE 


ROBBER    COUNT 


A  STORY  OF  THE  HARTZ  COUNTRY 

BY 

JULIUS    WOLFF. 

Translated  from  the  Twenty-third  German  Edition 

by 
W.    HENRY    WINSLOW 

AND 

ELIZABETH    R.    WINSLOW. 


NEW   YORK: 
THOMAS     Y.    CROWELL    &     CO., 

46  East  Fourteenth  Street. 


> 


*1 


Copyright, 

1890. 

By  T.  Y.  Crowell  &  Co„ 


Alfred  Mudge  &  Son,  Printers, 
Boston,  Mass. 


THE    ROBBER   COUNT; 

A  STORY  OF  THE  HARTZ  COUNTRY. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Upon  the  heights  overhanging  the  city  of  Quedlinburg, 
in  the  Hartz  country,  stands  an  old  imperial  castle  and 
palace,  a  conspicuous  object  far  and  near. 

This  imposing  pile  was  built  by  King  Heinrich  the 
Fowler,  and  he  and  his  consort,  Mathilde,  sleep  together 
side  by  side  in  the  crypt  of  the  chapel,  or  rather,  church, 
and  near  them  reposes  their  grand- daughter,  also  named 
Mathilde,  the  daughter  of  the  great  Otto. 

Frankish  and  Saxon  emperors  often  made  this  their 
place  of  residence,  and  held  their  courts  and  councils  here, 
and  from  here  the  Empress  Adelheid,  the  spirited  Theo- 
phano,  and  the  above  named  —  the  younger  Mathilde  — 
ruled  over  Germany.  She  was,  moreover,  the  first  abbess 
of  the  convent  founded  here  by  Heinrich,  to  which  he 
and  his  successors  granted  peculiar  privileges.  Destined 
for  daughters  of  royal  and  noble  families,  it  was  not  bound 
by  the  rules  of  any  order,  and  was  only  subject  to  the 
Emperor  himself. 

The  abbess,  chosen  by  the  sisterhood,  ranked  as  princess, 
and  had  a  voice  in  the  Imperial  Diet  among  the  prelates, 
and  was  independent  within  her  own  domains. 

During  the  four  centuries  which  had  elapsed  since  its 
foundation,  the  convent  Lad  grown  continually  richer,  and 


<i  Q  2  3 

^     %J    *m    *J     «*-    V/ 


2c  THE  ROPPER  COUNT. 

its  inmates  more  numerous,  until,  under  the  Emperor  Lud- 
wig  of  Bavaria,  the  fifteenth  abbess,  Jutta  von  Kranich- 
feld,  found  herself  the  ruler  of  so  considerable  a  territory 
that  a  stronger  arm  than  hers  was  needed  for  its  defence. 
Such  was  not  wanting  the  counts  of  Regenstein  having 
become  champions  of  the  convent.  Their  family  seat  was 
a  mountain  stronghold  in  the  midst  of  the  great  Hartz 
country,  and  they  ruled  over  an  important  fief  as  well  as 
over  their  own  inherited  lands. 

Between  the  Oker  in  the  west  and  the  Bode  in  the  east, 
between  the  mountains  in  the  south  and  the  lowlands  in 
the  north,  lay,  besides  the  earldom  of  Regenstein  and  the 
convent  of  Quedlinburg,  the  bishopric  of  Halberstadt, 
founded  by  Charlemagne  ;  also  the  domain  of  the  counts 
of  Blankenburg,  scions  of  the  house  of  Regenstein,  and 
that  of  the  counts  of  Wernigerode. 

At  the  time  of  which  we  speak,  Count  Regenstein,  the 
abbess  of  Quedlinburg,  and  the  bishop  of  Halberstadt  had 
all  recently  assumed  their  powers  and  dignities. 

Count  Albrecht  of  Regenstein,  the  eldest  of  six  brothers, 
had  succeeded  his  father  about  two  years  since.  Soon 
after,  the  Countess  Jutta  had  accepted  the  office  of  abbess 
provisionally,  and  about  the  same  time,  the  bishop  — 
named,  like  the  count,  Albrecht,  brother  of  the  Duke  of 
Brunswick  —  was  elected  by  the  chapter  after  a  long  con- 
test, and  occupied  his  see,  so  far,  without  the  sanction  of 
the  pope,  John  XXII.,  then  holding  his  court  at  Avignon. 
The  bishop,  however,  had  determined  to  secure  his  con- 
secration without  it,  the  archbishop  of  Mainz  agreeing  to 
perform  the  ceremony,  and  accordingly,  at  the  castle  of 
Ileinrich,  a  letter  of  invitation  to  the  bishop's  installation 
was  received.  The  princess  hesitated  whether  or  not  to  ac- 
cept it.  Policy  and  politeness  equally  made  it  desirable  that 
she  should  be  present,  but  she  feared  derogating  from  her 


THE  ROBBER  COU-NT.  3 

dignity  should  she  appear,  as  it  were,  in  the  train  of  her 
haughty  neighbor,  to  the  increase  of  his  consequence,  he 
who  already  strove  everywhere  for  ascendancy.  In  earlier 
days,  when  the  same  princely  roof  had  sheltered  them 
both,  she  had  been  made  acquain'.ed  with  his  overbearing 
temper,  and  this  recollection  made  it  more  difficult  for  the 
abbess  to  come  to  a  decision.  Those  whom  she  was  con- 
sulting in  her  private  apartment,  at  the  date  when  this 
narrative  opens,  were  the  superior,  Kunigunde  von  Wol- 
denberg,  and  her  principal  adviser,  Willekin  von  Ilerrkes- 
torf ,  chancellor  of  the  chapter,  who  were  both  for  accept- 
ing. 

"  Consider,  gracious  lady,"  said  the  latter,  a  thick-set 
personage,  with  expressive  face  and  gray  hair, — "  consider 
that  the  most  reverent  bishop  will  take  it  ill,  if  thou  dost 
not  go.  Lately  he  assisted  when,  for  the  first  time,  the 
cross,  with  the  relics  of  St.  Servatius,  was  borne  by  thee 
through  the  market-place  before  the  assembled  citizens." 

The  abbess  regarded  the  chancellor  with  wonder,  and 
asked,  — 

"  Belie  vest  thou  in  truth  that  the  bishop  hath  bidden  us 
in  simple  friendliness?" 

"What  other  purpose  can  he  have,  princess?" 

11  The  same  which,  not  long  since,  led  him  to  propose  a 
pastoral  visitation  to  our  convent.  Thou  rememberest 
how  I  responded  to  his  arrogance,  and  thereby  cooled 
our  friendship?  " 

"  Perchance  the  visitation  was  not  seriously  purposed," 
answered  Master  Willekin.  "  The  lordly  bishop,  mayhap, 
only  sought  an  opportunity  to  see  thee  again,  and  thus  to 
manifest  his  great  admiration." 

The  abbess  shook  her  head,  but  the  superior  smilingly 
nodded  assent  to  the  chancellor,  and  said,  — 

"So  think  I;  and,  in  any  case,  it  behooves  us  all  to 


4         '   '  ■  ■    THti  ROBBER  COUNT. 

accept  tlie  hand  which  lie  voluntarily  offers  in  concilia- 
tion." 

"In  conciliation,  Countess  Kunigunde?  No,  no;  I 
know  Mm  better  !  *'  exclaimed  the  abbess.  u  His  disposi- 
tion is  quite  opposed  to  friendliness.  Under  the  long  rule 
of  our  predecessor,  Bertradis,  who  now  rests  in  the  Lord, 
no  bishop  of  Halberstadt  ever  tried  to  interfere  in  the 
affai:s  of  our  chapter." 

"  Let  that  be  forgotten,  gracious  lady,"  urged  the  chan- 
cellor. "  He  will  not  repeat  his  attempt,  and  it  is  the 
part  of  wisdom  to  maintain  peace  and  good-will  with  our 
ecclesiastical  neighbor.  Then,  in  case  of  any  difficulty, 
we  may  hope  for  his  friendly  offices." 

"What  difficulty  meanest  thou?"  inquired  the  abbess. 
"  Is  there  ebb-tide  once  more  in  the  iron  chest  of  Sister 
Thesauria?  " 

The  chancellor  only  bowed  his  head. 

"  Certainly,"  exclaimed  the  superior,  pointedly.  "  How 
can  the  treasury  replenish  itself,  when  one  thinketh  not  of 
sparing?  " 

Abbess  Jutta  threw  a  severe  glance  at  her,  but  remained 
silent. 

"  That  is  not  the  only  difficulty,"  said  the  chancellor; 
u  but  I  know  a  new  source  of  revenue  for  our  convent." 

The  abbess  looked  at  him  inquiringly. 

"  Our  good  city  below,"  he  continued. 

"the  city?" 

"Truly.  Thou  knowest  well,  illustrious  lady,  which 
way  the  wishes  of  the  council  tend." 

"  Thou  wouldst  say,  toward  the  Lauenburg,"  said  the 
abbess,  with  a  frown. 

"  The  city  will  pay  a  round  sum  for  its  possession, — 
more  than  the  counts  of  Blankenburg  have  offered." 

"  Shall  I  sell  the  fortress  of  Ileinrich  the  Lion  to  the 
highest  bidder?  "  asked  the  abbess,  hotly. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  5 

"It  is  true  that  the  Count  of  Blankenburg  hopes  to 
acquire  the  fortress,  but  so  long  as  Leutfried  liveth,  who 
was  so  faithful  to  Bertradis,  of  blessed  memory,  no  other 
shall  dwell  there.  Thou  canst  say  so  to  thy  wise  friends 
of  the  council !  " 

"  lie  is  full  of  years,  and  lieth,  moreover,  on  a  sick-bed, 
whence  he  will  hardly  rise,"  observed  Master  Willekin. 
"The  fortifications  are  well-nigh  defenceless,  gracious 
lady ! " 

"Defenceless!  If  Count  Albrecht  von  Regenstein 
should  hear  thee,  Master  Willekin ! " 

The  abbess  said  this  in  her  deep,  full  voice,  in  a  tone  of 
earnest  admonition.    But  the  chancellor  quickly  replied,  — 

"  Count  Albrecht  von  Regenstein  !  I  had  him  in  my 
mind,  in  reference  to  the  difficulties  which  we  may  have 
to  encounter ;  it  was  because  of  such  as  he  that  I  urged 
our  standing  well  with  the  bishop  of  Halberstadt.  It  may 
well  be  that  we  need  the  aid  of  the  latter  against  our  too 
powerful  protector." 

k '  Master  von  Herrkestorf ,"  exclaimed  the  abbess,  "  there 
thou  speakest  like  a  true  Quedlinburger  !  I  know  well  that 
they  grumble  at  the  count  in  the  city,  because  occasionally 
his  people  carry  off  a  flock  of  sheep,  a  few  cows,  or,  per- 
chance, a  trifle  of  merchandise." 

"  And  also  burghers  whom  he  attacks  on  the  highway, 
locks  up  in  his  prisons,  and  will  not  release,"  added  the 
chancellor,  with  warmth. 

"  Yea,  but  not  without  ground  for  it,  as  thou  shouldst 
know." 

"  He  prevails  with  a  powerful  hand  whenever  he  hath  an 
opportunity ;  and,  therefore,  is  it  that  he  is  called  the  rob- 
ber count." 

"Who  calls  him  so?  Thy  fellow-townsmen, —  no  one 
else  ;  and  I  wish  never  to  hear  that  name  again,  Master 


6  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

von  Herrkestorf  !  "  cried  Jutta,  excitedly,  clasping  with  a 
rapid  movement  a  large  gold  crucifix,  hanging  from  her 
neck  by  a  chain  of  the  same  metal.  "  He  hath  strong- 
holds everywhere  between  Oker  and  Bode,  as  if  the  whole 
Hartz  country  were  his,"  the  chancellor  continued,  hotly. 
"  We  have  certain  tidings  that  he  is  now  negotiating  with 
Prince  Bernhard  von  Ballenstedt  for  the  castle  of  Gers- 
dorf." 

"  I  rejoice  to  hear  it,"  answered  the  abbess,  shortly. 

"Hear  me  further,  honorable  princess,"  said  Master 
Willekin.  "Throughout  the  Empire  the  great  lords  are 
leagued  together,  openly  or  in  secrecy,  to  tyrannize  over 
the  cities  which  are  rapidly  growing,  to  their  detriment,  as 
they  think.  After  they  have  subdued  them,  the  turn  will 
come  of  the  great  religious  houses  and  spiritual  princes, 
to  whose  fiefs  they  aspire,  and  hope  soon  to  lay  hands 
upon." 

"An  unnecessary  apprehension,"  remarked  the  abbess 
in  a  contemptuous  tone  ;  "  the  Emperor  will  never  suffer 
it" 

"  The  Emperor?  Gracious  heaven  !  As  if  he  did  not 
have  enough  to  do  to  hold  his  own  !  "  returned  the  chan- 
cellor. "  I  beseech  thee,  my  lady,  do  not  offend  the 
bishop  by  a  refusal.  He  is  thy  nearest  and  most  natural 
ally.  Deny  him  not  a  small  civility,  which  will  cost  thee 
so  little." 

"  Master  Willekin  is  right,"  said  the  superior  ;  "let  us 
go  to  Halberstadt !  That  is  my  counsel.  That  will  not 
derogate  from  thine  own  dignity,  and  thou  canst  show  him 
that  thou  art  here  what  he  is  in  his  bishopric." 

Jutta  rose,  stepped  to  the  window,  and  gazed  over  the 
landscape  toward  the  mountains  in  the  west. 

"When  cometh  the  archbishop  to  Halberstadt?"  she 
asked,  finally,  without  turning  round. 


THE  ROBBER   COUNT.  7 

"  In  ten  days,"  replied  the  chancellor. 

"  Then  there  is  time  enough  yet  for  decision. 

14  Not  much,  gracious  lady  !  May  I  not,  with  thy  per- 
mission, privately  inform  the  cathedral  chapter  that  thou 
wilt  come?" 

44  In  God's  name,  yea,  if  it  must  be!"  answered  the 
abbess. 

"  Only  write,  Master  Willekin,"  said  the  superior,  "  that 
our  beautiful  lady  will  for  once  appear  in  Halberstadt  in 
the  full  splendor  of  her  princely  station." 

44  Bishop  Albrecht  likes  well  to  look  upon  beautiful 
women,"  observed  the  chancellor,  in  a  low  tone,  and  with 
an  admiring  glance  at  the  noble  figure  of*  the  abbess,  who 
stood  with  her  back  to  him,  lost  in  thought,  and  paying  no 
further  heed  to  the  conversation  of  the  others. 

It  was  now  almost  five  years  since  Jutta  had  begun  her 
conventual  life  at  Quedlinburg.  Her  father,  a  warlike 
noble,  who  preferred  adventurous  expeditions  to  the  secu- 
rity of  his  home,  after  the  death  of  his  wife  had  carried 
his  only  daughter,  then  scarcely  seventeen,  to  the  court  of 
the  Landgrave  of  Thuringia.  She  remained  three  years  as 
maid  of  honor  at  the  Wartburg,  in  such  favor  with  the 
landgravine,  a  daughter  of  the  Emperor  Ludwig,  that  she 
wished  to  keep  Jutta  with  her  always  ;  but  the  hot-headed 
Count  von  Kranichfeld  quarrelled  with  the  landgrave,  and 
demanded  the  return  of  his  daughter.  The  proud  land- 
gravine sued  in  vain.  She  could  only  promise  the  reluc- 
tantly departing  Jutta  her  enduring  affection,  and  her 
assistance  in  any  future  troubles,  but  she  could  not  hinder 
her  father  from  placing  her  in  the  convent  of  Quedlinburg. 
Here,  also,  the  lively  and  talented  maiden  won  the  love  of 
all  the  inmates  of  the  castle,  especially  of  the  abbess  Ber- 
tradis,  and  before  long  was  made  canoness.  But  this  was 
not  enough.     Bertradis,  knowing  that  her  end  was  draw- 


8  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

ing  near,  expressed  a  desire  that  her  favorite  should  suc- 
ceed her  in  place  of  the  superior  Kunigunde  or  the  dea- 
coness Gertrude  von  Meinersen,  the  next  in  rank. 

Thereupon,  the  Countess  Jutta  von  Kranichfeld  was 
chosen  abbess,  though  she  was  only  twenty-three  years  of 
age.  When,  according  to  the  custom,  she  appeared  upon 
the  market-place  of  Quedlinburg  to  receive  the  oath  of 
allegiance  from  the  council  and  burghers,  her  manifold 
charms  and  the  splendor  of  her  attire  enchanted  the  be- 
holders. She  presented  herself,  surrounded  by  her  house- 
hold, in  a  costly  robe  glistening  with  gold,  a  sparkling 
diadem  upon  her  head,  and  a  long,  flowing  purple  mantle 
upon  her  shoulders,  conspicuously  taller  than  her  women, 
and  even  than  some  of  the  men.  The  bishop,  Albrecht 
von  Halberstadt,  with  his  canons  and  priests ;  the  pro- 
tector of  the  convent,  Count  Albrecht  von  Regenstein,  with 
his  brothers  ;  and  many  other  counts  and  nobles  from  the 
neighboring  country,  with  their  trains  of  followers,  assisted 
in  the  brilliant  ceremony. 

The  Countess  Jutta  and  her  ladies,  together  with  the 
town  council,  stood  upon  a  raised  platform,  while  the  first 
burgomaster,  Nikolaus  von  Bekheim,  read,  in  a  loud  voice, 
the  oath  of  allegiance,  the  assembled  burghers  repeating 
after  him,  and  all  enthusiastically  cheering  the  new  lady 
abbess. 

Then  a  great  feast  was  given  at  the  castle,  to  which  the 
nobles,  council,  and  chief  citizens  were  invited,  and  at 
which  Jutta  received  queenly  honors.  All  eyes  dwelt  with 
admiration  upon  her  splendid  beauty,  though  the  bishop  of 
Halberstadt,  who  was  only  a  few  years  her  senior,  and  had 
been  her  constant  companion  at  the  Wartburg,  rendered  her 
special  homage. 

She  gracefully  accepted  this  general  devotion  as  if  it 
were  her  due,  yet,  from  the  very  first,  bore  herself  with 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  9 

gentleness  us  well  as  dignity.  Although  she  had  some- 
times dreamt  of  obtaining  this  high  prize,  she  was  sur- 
prised when  it  actually  fell  to  her  lot,  and  strove  to  mollify 
the  mortified  superior  by  seeking  her  advice  in  all  matters 
of  importance. 

One  of  her  first  acts  was  to  have  a  beautiful  portal  con- 
structed, lending  to  the  burial-place  of  the  abbesses  in  the 
crypt  of  the  basilica,  as  an  expression  of  veneration  for 
their  memory  ;  for  which  she  was  greatly  commended, 
though  by  some  persons  it  was  attributed  simply  to  her 
desire  to  perpetuate  her  own  memory,  and  to  show  herself 
capable  of  princely  acts. 

Those  who  knew  her  best,  knew  better,  for  Jutta  was 
naturally  born  for  such  things.  Her  father's  hot  blood 
flowed  in  her  veins,  and  her  vehement,  ardent  disposition 
made  it  as  difficult  for  her  to  be  subject  to  any  one  as  it 
was  easy  to  rule.  And  now  that  she  was  clothed  with 
supreme  authority  in  the  convent,  she  expected  every  one 
to  yield  her  unquestioning  submission. 

The  only  person  whom  she  did  not  always  find  trac- 
table was  Count  Albrecht  von  Regenstein.  In  his  robust 
strength  and  far-seeing  mind  she  recognized  a  certain  ele- 
ment of  superiority,  and  was  unable,  with  all  the  aid  of 
her  princely  position,  to  control  him.  At  the  same  time, 
his  manly  beauty  and  courtly  manners  made  an  impres- 
sion upon  her  which  she  did  not  attempt  to  resist,  and  the 
heart  of  the  young  abbess  inclined  strongly  toward  her 
hero,  who  already  occupied  a  large  share  of  her  thoughts. 
Present  or  absent,  he  exercised  no  small  influence,  and  she 
would  fain  have  known  his  opinion  concerning  the  episcopal 
invitation,  which  had  been  sent  to  him  as  well  as  herself. 

It  was  for  this  reason  that  she  now  gazed  longingly 
toward  the  west,  where  Regenstein,  with  its  high,  precipi- 
tous walls,  was  sharply  defined  upon  the  blue  horizon. 


10  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 


CHAPTER  II. 

As  the  superior  and  the  chancellor  talked  earnestly 
together,  the  abbess  meanwhile  seeming  to  be  lost  in 
revery,  a  waiting-woman  approached,  with  an  obeisance, 
and  spoke  a  few  words  to  her. 

A  look  of  pleasure  and  surprise  passed  over  her  face, 
and  she  exclaimed,  joyfully,  after  the  maid  had  with- 
drawn, — 

"  What  think  ye  ?  Count  Albrecht  hath  just  dismounted 
from  his  horse  in  the  court-yard.  I  am  curious  to  know 
if  he  will  go  to  Halberstadt,  to  be  present  at  the  bishop's 
installation?  " 

" 1  have  just  come  from  Halberstadt,  gracious  lady!" 
was  the  quick  rejoinder ;  and  lo  !  there,  upon  the  thresh- 
old, appeared  the  tall  figure  of  the  count  himself,  clad  in 
chain  mail,  over  which  he  wore  a  short,  sleeveless,  murrey- 
colored  surcoat. 

"  Hast  thou  accepted  or  refused  the  invitation  of  the 
lord  bishop  ?  "  cried  the  abbess,  eagerly. 

"  Our  conversation  was  about  quite  another  matter," 
the  count  replied. 

"  Hast  thou  had  an  altercation  with  him?" 

M  One  might,  perhaps,  call  it  so,"  laughed  he,  as  he 
seated  himself  at  the  table,  opposite  the  abbess.  "  Think 
only,  my  lady,  what  artifice  this  anointed  of  the  Lord  hath 
practised  upon  me.  Months  ago,  he  offered  to  barter  the 
fortress  of  Schwanebeck  for  my  castle  of  Emersleben, 
inasmuch  as  this  is  hard  by  Halberstadt,  and  the  former 
is  nigh  our  house  of  Crottorf.  I  was  satisfied,  and  we 
exchanged  deeds  of  conveyance.     When  he  sent  me  mine, 


THE  BOBBER  COUNT.  11 

I  looked  at  his  signature,  and  threw  the  document  unread 
into  a  chest.  Lo  !  now  he  hath  summoned  me  as  his  vas- 
sal to  attend  his  installation.  His  vassal !  I  rubbed  my 
eyes,  and  asked  myself  what  it  meant.  Then  it  came  to 
me  in  a  flash.  I  pulled  out  the  Schwanebeck  papers,  and, 
by  my  soul !  it  was  no  deed  of  sale  he  had  given  me,  but 
only  one  of  feudal  tenure.  I  sprang  into  the  saddle, 
galloped  to  Halberstadt,  and  called  the  bishop  to  account. 
He  had  the  effrontery  to  say  that  church  property  could 
not  be  sold  ;  he  was  only  able  to  transfer  it  to  me  in  fief. 
I  never  looked  for  such  knavery.  I  wished  to  cancel  the 
bargain,  and  demanded  back  the  six  hundred  marks  which 
I  had  given  him  to  boot.  But  this  honorable  churchman 
scoffed  at  me ;  he  held  me  to  my  deed  of  sale,  and  in- 
formed me  that  Emersleben  was  in  good  hands.  What 
thinkest  thou  of  this,  my  lady  ?  " 

"  I  call  it  a  base  trick,"  replied  the  abbess. 

"Yea,  is  it  not?  I  shall  not  soon  forget  it,"  said  the 
count,  vindictively. 

"Moreover,  thou  hast  Schwanebeck,  in  fief,  to  refresh 
thy  memory,  Sir  Count,"  added  Kunigunde. 

"I  thank  thee  for  thy  consolation,  most  feeling  of 
superiors  !  "  replied  the  count. 

The  abbess  then  turned  to  the  chancellor,  saying,  — 

"  And  what  is  thy  opinion  ?  " 

"The  most  reverend  bishop  is  well  versed  in  worldly 
matters,"  he  answered.  "  I  think,  Sir  Count,  thou  must 
have  misunderstood  him  concerning  this  transaction.  He 
is  wont  to  speak  out  plainly  in  all  things." 

"  I  warn  thee  to  beware  of  his  plainness,  Master  Wille- 
kin  !  "  exclaimed  the  count.  "  Ye  Quedlinburgers  appear 
to  stand  upon  an  extremely  good  footing  with  the  bishop." 

"Wherefore  should  we  not?  He  hath  never  wronged 
us  in  any  way." 


12  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

"  Yet  he  turneth  those  who  should  be  your  friends  into 
foes." 

"For  example:  the  noble  Albrecht  von  Regenstein. 
Thou  hast  allowed  us  to  see  that,  Sir  Count?" 

"  Thou  wilt  see  something  else  !  "  muttered  the  count, 
striking  the  floor  with  his  sword. 

"Ho!  ho!  What  is  this  contention  about?  "  inquired 
the  abbess,  with  a  laugh. 

"  I  have  yet  another  charge  against  the  bishop,"  con- 
tinued Count  Albrecht.  "He  hath  encroached  upon  my 
jurisdiction,  and  hath  set  up  an  ecclesiastical  court  here  in 
the  city ;  and,  moreover,  the  council  appe:ireth  to  aid  and 
abet  him.  Two  churls  were  summoned  before  my  judg- 
ment-seat, but,  instead  of  presenting  themselves,  they 
were  tried  here  by  the  rector  of  St.  Agidien.  I  thereupon 
seized  and  imprisoned  a  couple  of  burghers  as  hostages." 

"  Who  were  altogether  innocent,"  interposed  the  chan- 
cellor. 

"  Then  let  them  deliver  up  to  me  the  guilty  ones,  that  I 
may  deal  with  them  according  to  justice.  So  long  as  an 
episcopal  court  is  suffered  to  remain  within  your  walls,  so 
long  shall  I  be  a  foe  to  your  city." 

"  Hast  thou  upbraided  the  bishop  with  his  encroachment 
upon  thy  rights?"  asked  the  abbess. 

"  In  good  round  terms,  my  lady  !  Wouldst  thou  know 
what  his  answer  was?  *  Spiritual  rights  supersede  secular 
rights  ;  my  crook  reacheth  farther  than  your  sword  !  *  " 

"And  thou?" 

"  I  struck  the  table  with  my  fist,  and  cried,  '  Thou  shalt 
see  how  crookedness  and  straightforwardness  will  agree 
together  ! '  Then  I  mounted  my  horse,  galloped  off,  and 
here  I  am  !  " 

i '  And  thou  meanest  to  let  the  matter  rest  here  ?  " 

"  I  am  not  such  a  fool !  "  laughed  Albrecht.     "  Before  he 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  13 

sitteth  upon  his  episcopal  throne,  I  mean  to  sit  again  in 
my  castle  of  Emersleben,  and  throw  every  one  of  his  priest- 
ridden  train  into  the  moat.  After  that  will  come  the 
Quedlinburgers'  turn.  I  will  show  them  who  is  lord  here, 
—  I  or  the  bishop." 

"  Countess  Kunigunde,"  exclaimed  the  abbess,  rising 
suddenly,  "  we  will  not  go  to  Halberstadt !  " 

"  My  lady!" 

"  We  do  not  go  to  Halberstadt !  "  she  repeated,  im- 
periously. 

44  Thou  canst  not  be  in  earnest,"  groaned  Kunigunde  ; 
"  it  is  impossible  to  find  a  sufficient  plea  for  our  absence." 

u  Thou  needest  not  find  the  plea  ;  I  will  do  that,"  an- 
swered Jutta. 

The  superior  sighed,  and  looked  up  to  heaven  despair- 
ingly, while  the  chancellor  began,  in  a  vexed  tone,  — 

"  But  under  what  pretext,  gracious  lady?" 

'  *  Pretext !  "  interrupted  Count  Albrecht,  who  had  also 
risen  from  his  seat ;  ' '  needeth  the  princess  of  Quedlinburg 
an  excuse  for  absenting  herself  from  Halberstadt,  if  it  is 
her  pleasure  to  do  so?  But  if  it  troubleth  thee,  Master 
Willekin,  I  will  give  thee  an  excuse  :  the  pope  hath  not 
sanctioned  the  bishop's  ordination,  and  never  will." 

"  How  dost  thou  know  that,  Sir  Count?"  inquired  the 
superior,  defiantly. 

44  Write  to  that  effect,  Master  Willekin!  "  commanded 
the  abbess.  "  Write  to  the  bishop  that,  next  to  the  Em- 
peror, the  Holy  Father  is  our  liege  lord,  and  that  we  can- 
not assist  at  a  consecration  which,  in  our  eyes,  without  the 
papal  blessing,  is  no  consecration  at  all." 

44  Good  !  good  ! "  said  the  count,  with  emphasis. 

The  chancellor  shook  his  gray  head,  and  said,  — 

"  At  least,  permit  me,  gracious  princess,  to  ride  to  Hal- 
berstadt and  soften  thy  refusal,  so  far  as  possible." 


14  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

"Do  so,  Master  Chancellor,"  answered  the  abbess; 
"  thou  knowest  my  wishes." 

"That  is  not  the  way  it  should  be  done,"  said  the 
count. 

"  Master  Willekin  will  ride  to  Halberstadt,"  continued 
the  abbess,  loftily  ;  "the  matter  is  settled,  Sir  Count." 

Count  Albrecht  laughed  aloud.  "  As  far  as  I  am  con- 
cerned, most  mighty  princess,  he  may  crawl  on  his  hands 
and  knees  to  the  bishop  !  " 

The  blood  mounted  to  Jutta's  cheeks,  and  she  turned 
away  indignantly,  while  the  chancellor  seemed  as  if  about 
to  make  a  hasty  reply,  but  to  be  restrained  by  the  threat- 
ening look  with  which  the  count  regarded  him.  The 
abbess  gave  him  a  gracious  nod  of  dismissal,  whereupon 
he  left  the  room  and  betook  himself  to  the  city,  to  seek  a 
private  interview  with  the  burgomaster  and  some  of  the 
councillors . 

Countess  Kunigunde  had  rejoiced  over  the  check  which 
Count  Albrecht  had  received,  as  well  as  at  his  rejoinder  to 
the  abbess,  and  vexed  that  her  advice  should  be  rejected 
on  account  of  the  overbearing  Albrecht  von  Regenstein 
She  also  withdrew,  and  left  the  abbess  alone  with  her 
arrogant  protector. 

Albrecht  made  a  low  bow  behind  the  departing  countess, 
and  observed,  when  the  door  closed,  — 

"  I  see  I  am  no  longer  in  our  amiable  superior's  good 
graces,  and  must  bear  her  displeasure  as  best  I  may." 

The  abbess  made  no  reply.  She  stood  at  the  window, 
quite  out  of  tune.  The  count's  scornful  laugh  had  touched 
her  to  the  quick,  and  she  waited  now  for  a  word  of  ex- 
planation. Had  he  not  seen  what  had  decided  her  in  her 
hesitation  regarding  the  bishop's  invitation?  To  be  sure, 
his  state  of  irritation  was  some  excuse,  and  Jutta  had 
vexed  him  still  further.     That  she   now  regretted.     He 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  15 

must  have  something  on  his  mind,  or  why  should  he  still 
linger.     She  would  come  to  his  aid. 

Turning  toward  him,  she  said,  somewhat  shyly,  — 

44  What  thinkest  thou  the  bishop  will  do,  if  we  are 
neither  of  us  present  at  his  consecration?" 

The  count  shrugged  his  shoulders.  '•  In  the  first  place, 
he  will  be  heartily  angry,  and  I  care  not  a  whit." 

' w  Will  he  credit  my  reason  for  refusing  ?  "  the  abbess 
asked  again. 

"  Hardly,"  returned  the  count. 

'•  Then  he  will  seek  for  the  real  cause  ;  perchance  he 
will  fancy  it  to  be  —  on  thy  account — " 

u  That  thou  stayest  away  for  me?"  said  Count  Albert. 
"Well,  let  him  think  so  ;  he  hath  no  power  over  thee." 

Jutta  was  silent.     Finally,  she  said,  — 

"  What  if  I  should  go  to  the  bishop,  and  heal  the  breach 
between  you?" 

"  I  thank  thee  heartily  for  thy  friendly  offer,  but  I  could 
not  accept  such  a  sacrifice." 

"  I  would  make  the  sacrifice  with  pleasure,  Count 
Albrecht.     Thou  hast  made  more  than  one  for  me." 

"  That  is  only  my  bounden  duty." 

"  Suffer  me,  for  once,  to  be  thy  protector  !  "  begged  the 
abbess. 

"  Nay,  nay,  thou  must  not  go  to  Halberstadt ;  at  least, 
on  my  account.  The  bishop  wisheth  not  to  make  peace 
with  me;  and  if  thou  wert  to  go  to  him,  and  plead  my 
cause,  he  would  think — " 

The  count  broke  off  suddenly,  without  finishing  his  sen- 
tence. 

"What?  What  would  he  think?  Speak  out,  Count 
Albrecht."  And  Jutta  looked  into  his  face  with  eager  eyes. 

w  Thou  wouldst  laugh  at  the  fancy." 

M  That  I  shall  not !"  she  said,  blushing  a  little. 


16  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

"He  would  think  —  that  I  was  afraid  of  him!"  said 
the  count,  abruptly. 

The  abbess  had  expected  an  altogether  different  reply. 
She  stepped  back. 

"Thou  art  right  —  quite  right;  what  else  could  he 
think?" 

Suddenly  she  threw  her  head  back,  and  said,  — 

"  After  all,  I  could  hardly  defend  thee,  Sir  Count.  So 
many  complaints  are  made  of  thee." 

"I  prefer,  my  lady,  to  defend  myself,"  answered  the 
count,  resolutely. 

"  Little  it  concerneth  me  what  thou  doest  in  thine  own 
earldom ;  but  here  thou  shouldst  keep  the  peace,"  she 
said,  in  a  tone  of  reproach. 

"Is  thy  peace  disturbed,  gracious  lady?" 

41  Thou  lurkest  about  our  good  city  of  Quedlinburg,  and 
layest  hands  on  her  burghers.  That  is  breaking  the  peace, 
Sir  Count.  But  that  is  not  all :  the  monks  of  St.  Wiperti 
are  very  disorderly.  Their  riotous  living,  under  our  very 
eyes,  is  a  sore  vexation  to  the  council  and  townsfolk,"  the 
abbess  continued,  becoming  more  vehement. 

"And  is  that  my  fault?" 

"  Thou  protectest  them  ;  thou  hast  fortified  their  mon- 
astery. Why  shouldst  thou  do  it?  Is  not  Guntecken- 
burg  enough  for  thee,  here  close  to  the  gates  of  the 
city?" 

"  Aha  !  "  laughed'  the  count ;  "  I  know  how  the  town- 
folk  grumble  at  their  inconveniently  vigilant  neighbor. 
Thou  shouldst  be  well  pleased  to  know  that  I  keep  a  sharp 
eye  upon  thy  city  of  Quedlinburg.  It  is  not  for  myself  so 
much  as  for  thee.  Down  below  there  they  have  bristled 
up  stiffly  since  they  joined  the  Hanse  League.  Now  they 
oppose  me  ;  next  they  will  threaten  thee,  if  we  do  not  hold 
the  reins  tightly." 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  17 

She  looked  at  him  kindly,  and  said,  — 

"I  understood  not  that  thy  care  was  for  me,  Count 
Albrecht." 

"One  thing  I  wish  to  speak  to  thee  about,  my  lady. 
Dost  thou  know  how  matters  stand  at  Lauenburg?" 

Lauenburg!  Was  this  why  he  remained?  A  thought 
darted  through  Jutta's  mind,  and  she  answered  slowly, — 

"  I  know  Leutfiied  lieth  very  low  ;  we  shall  soon  have 
to  appoint  a  new  castellan." 

"  It  is  an  important  post.  Lauenburg  needeth  a  trusty 
man,"  observed  the  count. 

"Whom  I  hope  in  good  time  to  find,"  she  replied, 
smilingly ;  and,  anticipating  his  answer,  added,  with  a 
speaking  glance,  "Have  patience,  like  me;  I  shall  not 
give  the  fortress  into  other  hands  behind  thy  back." 

"  I  rely  upon  thy  promise,  my  lady  !     Farewell !" 

"  Till  we  meet  again,  Count  Albrecht !  " 

The  abbess  extended  her  hand  to  him,  and  he  left  the 
room,  while  she  shook  her  finger,  smilingly,  in  the  direc- 
tion of  the  closed  door. 

The  count  rode  down  the  steep  pathway  from  the  castle 
in  a  very  contented  frame  of  mind.  He  had  attained  his 
object :  the  abbess  did  not  mean  to  attend  the  consecra- 
tion any  more  than  he  and  his  brothers.  He  laughed  in  his 
sleeve  as  he  thought  of  the  bishop's  feelings  when  he  dis- 
covered that  the  magnates  of  the  territory  were  missing  at 
his  installation.  The  counts  von  Blankenburg,  who  always 
opposed  the  Regensteins  in  everything,  would  now  strut 
about  untrammelled,  and  wheedle  the  bishop  to  their  hearts' 
content.  It  was  doubtful  whether  the  other  nobles  of  the 
Hartz  region  would  make  their  appearance  ;  probably  not, 
if  Albrecht  should  send  them  a  well-considered  message. 
He  was  quite  content  that  the  bishop,  as  well  as  Willekin 
von  Herrkestorf ,  should  understand  that  the  abbess,  with 


18  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

her  noble  chapter,  remained  away,  owing  to  his  influence. 
Then  my  lord  would  remember  Schwanebeck,  and  his  long 
crook,  with  which  he  had  dared  to  threaten  Albrecht  von 
Regenstein. 

And,  regarding  Lauenburg,.  whose  domain  touched  the 
forests  of  Quedlinburg  on  one  side,  and  on  the  other  those 
of  the  Blankenburgs,  he  had  now  the  abbess's  promise  not 
to  choose  a  new  castellan  without  consulting  him.  What  an 
eyry  it  would  be  for  his  beloved  Siegfried,  the  youngest 
and  the  favorite  of  his  brothers.  And  Jutta?  What  wish 
of  his  would  she  not  grant?  He  had  seen  to-day  very 
clearly  what  sway  he  had  over  her.  He  was  now  sure  that 
this  brilliant  woman  would  gladly  resign  her  princely  posi- 
tion, if  — 

' '  Brun  !  Brun  !  what  is  it  ?  "  cried  out  the  count  to  his 
bay,  as  he  stroked  his  sturdy  neck ,  and  tried  to  soothe  the 
frightened  animal.  The  horse  had  plunged  violently, 
having  been  struck  by  a  stone,  but  the  boy  who  hurled  it, 
the  son  of  one  of  the  captive  burghers,  remained  hidden. 

"  This  cometh  from  indulging  in  idle  thoughts,  instead 
of  keeping  a  firm  hand  on  the  bridle,"  said  the  count  to 
himself,  as  he  rode  on. 

But  the  abbess,  gazing  after  the  rider,  had  seen  the 
stone  thrown.  She  stood  at  the  window,  following  him 
with  her  eye,  and  watching  the  gleam  of  the  sunlight  upon 
his  polished  helmet  while  he  slowly  descended  the  hill.  As 
she  observed  the  little  adventure,  she  exclaimed,  indig- 
nantly, — 

"  Oh,  this  worthless  brood  !  He  is  right ;  these  burghers 
must  be  held  with  a  tight  rein  !  " 

She  soon  saw  Count  Albrecht  halt  before  the  entrance 
to  Gunteckenburg,  which  lay  between  Miinzenburg  and 
the  Wiperti  monastery.  He  summoned  the  governor,  and 
talked  to  him  for  a  long  time  without  dismounting.     Then 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  19 

he  trotted  on  to  the  monastery,  and  entering  the  court- 
yard, disappeared  from  her  view. 

M  Now  he  goeth  again  to  those  sinful  4  children  of  our 
love,'  as  the  sainted  Bertradis  was  wont  to  call  the  monks, 
with  whom  she  was  in  continual  conflict ;  but  will  he  inform 
the  wicked  prior  of  our  growing  displeasure?  Go,  my 
knight !  I  would  follow  thee  willingly  to  the  ends  of  the 
earth ! " 

In  the  court-yard  of  the  monastery  the  count  dismounted. 
A  lay  brother  approached,  saying,  — 

14  Shall  I  unsaddle  Brim,  master?" 

44  Nay,"  answered  Count  Albrecht.  "I  have  halted  for 
a  short  rest  only.     Where  is  the  worthy  Bavo?" 

"In  the  —  in  the  —  " 

44  In  the  refectory,  naturally  !  "  laughed  the  count.  4'At 
the  v:et  vespers,  perhaps?" 

4  4  Master,  to-morrow  is  the  feast  of  the  holy  Eustathius 
the  Steadfast,"  replied  the  brother. 

44  And  ye  must  celebrate  it !  "  said  the  count.  44  Good  ; 
we  will  assist  at  the  vigils  of  the  holy  Eustathius  the 
Steadfast." 

And  he  entered  the  monastery. 


20  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 


CHAPTER  III. 

The  superior,  Kunigunde,  put  the  whole  chapter  into 
commotion  on  account  of  the  abbess's  decision.  The  older 
ladies  were  annoyed  not  to  have  their  convent  represented 
at  the  bishop's  investiture  with  due  pomp  and  solemnity, 
and  the  younger  ones  lamented  that  they  must  absent 
themselves  from  the  imposing  ceremonial.  The  abbess 
saw  only  unfriendly  faces  about  her,  with  one  exception, 
—  this  being  the  canoness,  the  beautiful  and  joj'ous  Coun- 
tess Adelheid  von  Hallermund,  who  possessed  the  entire 
confidence  of  the  abbess.  She  was  very  well  disposed 
toward  their,  chivalrous  protector,  and  agreed  perfectly 
with  the  former,  that,  for  his  sake,  they  ought  to  decline 
the  bishop's  invitation.  Jutta  was  fully  determined  to  do 
so,  and  on  the  following  evening  informed  the  chancellor 
that  he  must  delay  no  longer  carrying  her  refusal  to  Hal- 
berstadt. 

There  was  nothing  to  do  but  obey  ;  and  on  the  next  day, 
as  soon  as  the  sun  was  well  up  in  the  heavens,  Master 
Willekin  von  Herrkestorf  re'uctantly  set  forth.  With  him 
rode  the  convent  scrivener,  Florencius,  who  had  begged  as 
a  favor  to  be  allowed  to  accompany  him  in  the  place  of  a 
mounted  servant. 

This  Florencius,  a  livety,  shrewd-looking  fellow,  be- 
longing to  a  noble  but  decayed  family,  was  destined  for 
the  church  ;  but  not  obtaining  his  ordination,  owing  to  some 
youthful  prank,  he  had  run  away  from  the  monastery 
school  of  St.  Gallen,  and  became  a  travelling  scholar.  As 
such,  some  years  since,  he  had  come  to  Quedlinburg,  and 


THE  ROB  BE  It  COUNT.  21 

appealed  to  the  chancellor  for  assistance.  Master  Wille- 
kin,  to  whom  he  confided  the  story  of  his  parentage  and 
circumstances,  was  soon  convinced  of  his  knowledge  and 
ability,  and  gladly  gave  him  a  home  and  a  position  in  the 
castle  under  the  abbess  Bertradis. 

Florencius  was  called  "  scrivener,"  because  he  must 
have  a  title  ;  but  although  he  was  most  skilful  in  the  art 
of  penmanship,  there  was  not  enough  writing  in  the  con- 
vent to  keep  him  emplo3*ed.  He  therefore  filled  up  his 
spare  time  making  headings  and  beginnings  of  documents 
by  the  score.  For  example  :  the  introductory  words,  "  We, 
Jutta,  by  the  grace  of  God,  Abbess  of  Quedlinburg,"  etc., 
displayed  themselves  on  innumerable  pages  of  parchment, 
with  large,  gayly  illuminated  initial  letters,  entwined  with 
flowers  and  flourishes  of  every  description.  He  was  also 
the  confidential  letter-writer  of  the  inmates,  who  all  liked 
him  on  account  of  his  good  manners,  modesty,  and  oblig- 
ing disposition,  notwithstanding  his  occasional  inclination 
to  play  the  wag. 

The  chancellor  had  betrayed  the  fact  of  his  noble  birth, 
which  he  tried  to  keep  secret  by  taking  an  assumed  name, 
and  so  the  ladies  of  the  convent  treated  him  more  as  an 
equal  than  as  a  servant.  He  made  himself  useful  in  every 
way  that  he  could, — as  reader,  singer,  and  lute-player. 
In  short,  he  had  become  the  indispensable  familiar  spirit 
of  the  castle. 

As  they  crossed  the  plain,  which  stretched  from  the  city 
to  the  Weinberg,  the  chancellor  observed,  — 

"  Look,  Florencius,  how  the  snow  on  the  Brocken 
glisteneth  in  the  sun  ! " 

"  And  here  the  seeds  are  sprouting,  and  the  hedges  and 
bushes  begin  to  leave  out,"  answered  the  scrivener  ;  l '  but 
we  shall  soon  have  rain." 

"  How  knowest  thou  that?"  asked  Master  Willekin. 


22  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

"  Hast  thou  never  heard,  master,  that  our  deaconess, 
Mistress  Gertrude,  understandeth  the  weather  like  an  old 
shepherd?  She  hath  a  tree-frog,  for  which  she  catcheth 
flies  all  over  the  castle,  and  upon  which  she  relieth  for  her 
predictions." 

1 '  And  are  they  always  fulfilled  ?  " 

"  Nay,  not  always,"  laughed  Florencius  ;  "and  then 
the  tree-frog  is  punished  by  having  less  flies  that  day." 

"Gracious  heaven!"  exclaimed  Master  Willekin; 
"whence  hath  she  the  frog?" 

"I  was  ordered  to  catch  it  for  her  when  the  preceding 
one  had  eaten  his  last  fly.  The  schoolmistress  saith  it  is 
venomous." 

"The  schoolmistress  !  She  is  the  merriest  in  the  whole 
chapter,  is  she  not?"  asked  Master  Willekin. 

"That  is  hard  to  say,"  Florencius  answered;  adding, 
after  a  short  pause,  "I  believe  the  custodian  and  the 
singing-mistress  surpass  her.  When  they  put  their  blond 
heads  together,  some  droll  trick  is  sure  to  be  played,  over 
which  one  laughs  for  days.  One  of  their  jokes  was  to 
hang  a  bell  upon  the  superior." 

"  Florencius !  "  said  the  chancellor,  reprovingly. 

"Pardon  me,  master,"  laughed  the  scrivener,  "but  I 
am  forced  often  enough  to  assist  them  ;  the}T  give  me  no 
peace,  and  if  it  were  not  for  the  Countess  Luitgard  von 
Stolberg,  who  always  trieth  to  excuse  the  pranks  of  the 
younger  ones,  they  would  oft  fare  badly." 

"And  the  abbess?" 

"The  abbess?  Well,  master,  thou  knowest  she  doth 
not  fret  at  the  superior's  ill-humor,  and  Countess  Adelheid 
loveth  better  to  laugh  than  to  weep.  However,  lately  the 
young  mistresses  went  too  far  for  once,  and  they  were 
obliged  to  make  expiation." 

Upon  a  look  from  the  chancellor,  Florencius  went  on :  — 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  23 

"  As  thou  knowest,  the  deaconess  is  very  skilful  in  em- 
broidering tapestry  with  figures  from  the  lives  of  the  saints, 
and  she  obliges  the  younger  gentlewomen  to  spend  tedious 
hours  at  her  favorite  occupation.  Recently,  she  was  at 
work  upon  such  a  tapestry,  which  represented  the  holy 
Appolonia,  whom  thou  knowest  is  continually  invoked  by 
sufferers  from  toothache.  Then  those  crafty  damsels  de- 
vised their  roguish  plot,  and  successfully  carried  it  out. 
Countess  Agnes  von  Schrapelau  and  the  schoolmistress 
kept  the  deaconess  busy  with  her  fly-trap  as  long  as  pos- 
sible in  a  remote  part  of  the  castle  ;  meanwhile,  the  cus- 
todian and  singing-mistress  crept  into  her  chamber,  and 
with  coarse,  hasty  stitches  furnished  the  holy  Appolonia 
with  puffs  of  hair  on  the  temples,  long  nose,  and  pointed 
chin,  so  that  her  resemblance  to  the  deaconess  was  quite 
remarkable.  Mistress  Gertrude  raised  a  great  clamor  over 
the  misdeed,  and  even  the  indulgent  Thesauria  placed 
herself  on  the  side  of  the  injured  deaconess,  and,  in  de- 
spite of  Countess  Adelheid's  intercession,  the  guilty  ones 
were  made  to  suffer.  They  were  sentenced  to  pass  four- 
and-twenty  hours  in  the  little,  dark  penitential  chamber  in 
the  crypt.  But,  in  the  afternoon,  the  hereditary  marshal 
of  the  castle,  Master  Gerhard  von  Ditfurt,  came  to  the 
convent  to  visit  the  ladies,  missed  the  two  blondes,  and 
was  made  acquainted  with  the  story.  At  first  he  laughed 
heartily,  to  the  great  vexation  both  of  the  old  cat  —  " 

"  Florencius !  " 

—  "Of  both  the  honorable  ladies,  Kunigunde  and  Ger- 
trude ;  but  then  he  besought  pardon  for  the  two  captives. 
It  was  not  necessary  to  plead  long  ;  the  princess  was  onl}' 
too  glad  to  have  an  excuse  for  lenity.  Countess  Adelheid 
led  the  supposed  penitents  from  their  prison  cell,  and 
after  an  exhortation  from  our  gracious  lady,  before  the 
whole  chapter,  the  affair  was  considered  ended.  Much  I 
wonder  what  their  next  sally  will  be." 


24  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

Master  "Willekin  could  not  refrain  from  laughter,  in 
which  his  companion  joined. 

Whiling  away  the  time  with  such  sportive  conversation, 
the  two  rode  over  the  green  plain.  On  both  sides  of  them 
stretched  the  lofty,  dark-blue  mountain  ridge,  rising  higher 
and  higher  from  the  fortress  of  Ballenstedt  to  the  snow- 
covered  summit  of  the  Brocken.  Halting  upon  the  top  of 
a  hill,  they  turned  their  horses'  heads,  to  look  at  the 
charming  view. 

Before  them  lay  fruitful  fields  and  smiling  hamlets, 
watered  by  the  Bode  and  other  mountain  streams  flowing 
down  from  the  craggy  heights,  upon  which  stood  lonely 
watch-towers,  like  sentinels.  The  yet  unfinished  spires  of 
the  cathedral  of  Halberstadt  rose  in  the  distance,  while 
the  city  of  Quedlinburg  was  hidden  from  view.  Only  the 
castle,  of  whose  inner  life  Florencius  had  just  given  his 
amusing  account,  was  before  them.  Behind,  through  the 
broad  opening  of  the  Bode  Valley,  they  saw  the  jagged 
peaks  of  the  Teufelsmauer,  which  extended,  huge  and 
black,  through  the  Hartz  country  for  miles,  only  ending 
at  Regenstein.  Directly  opposite,  Lauenburg  glittered  in 
the  sunlight,  while  in  the  west,  Count  Albrecht's  strong- 
hold frowned  at  them  ;  on  one  side  of  it  was  Ileimberg, 
where  his  brother  Bernhard  dwelt,  and  on  the  other,  the 
seat  of  the  counts  of  Blankenburg. 

From  this  point  the  riders  could  overlook  a  great  part 
of  the  noble  Hartz  region,  which  lay  spread  out  before 
them  like  a  spendid  panorama,  in  all  the  glory  of  spring. 
A  fresh  breeze  blew  from  the  hills,  making  the  leaves  and 
grasses  rustle  and  bend,  while  overhead  the  larks  carolled- 
After  the  two  companions  had  ridden  on  again  for  some 
distance,  Florencius  said, — 

'•  Master  Chancellor,  if  I  do  not  deceive  myself,  we  are 
g  ing  to   meet   l  The  Wicked  Seven.'     Is    not  that  the 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  25 

Knight  Bock  who  cometh  trotting  toward  us  on  his  great 
dapple  gray?" 

"  Thou  appearest  to  be  right,  Florencius,"  answered  the 
chancellor;  "but  let  him  come;  Knight  Bock  is  friendly 
enough  to  those  who  are  civil  to  him." 

From  the  edge  of  the  forest,  which  lay  on  their  left, 
three  riders  issued,  two  of  whom  immediately  turned  aside 
with  the  obvious  intention  of  cutting  off  all  chance  of 
escape  backward  or  forward,  while  the  third  came  trotting 
toward  them. 

The  latter  presented  a  most  fantastic  appearance.  Upon 
a  bony  steed  sat  a  long,  lank  figure  in  knightly  accoutre- 
ments. The  man  was  clad  from  head  to  foot  in  chain 
armor,  and  wore,  besides,  a  short,  faded,  yellow  surcoat. 
Two  fluttering  cock's  feathers  were  stuck  in  his  helmet, 
and  a  woven  iron  cape  enveloped  his  neck  and  shoulders, 
like  a  capuchin's  hood.  From  the  knees  projected  sharp 
iron  spikes.  Polished  steel  gloves  and  excessively  long 
spurs  completed  his  equipment.  Besides  sword  and  dag- 
ger attached  to  his  shoulder-belt,  he  carried  a  lance  and 
small  triangular  shield.  His  thin,  weather-beaten  face, 
with  piercing  eyes,  hooked  nose,  and  long  mustache  led 
one  to  suppose  that  he  was  about  forty  years  of  age. 

Such  was  the  Knight  Bock  von  Schlanstedt,  a  vassal  of 
Count  Albrecht  von  Regenstein  ;  a  bird  of  prey,  who,  with 
six  chosen  associates,  roamed  over  the  land,  and  swooped 
down  wherever  they  were  least  expected.  As  this  wild 
band  did  but  little  good,  Bock  and  his  comrades  had  been 
christened  "  The  Wicked  Seven." 

As  the  knight  recognized  the  two  Qucdlinburgers,  he 
checked  his  horse's  pace,  brandished  his  lance,  and  cried 
out, — 

"Hail,  Master  Willekin  von  Herrkestorf  !  also  to  thee, 
brave  Florencius !  " 


26  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

44  Thanks  for  thy  greeting  !  "  answered  the  chancellor. 
"It  grieveth  me,  Sir  Knight,  that  thou  shouldst  have 
spurred  th}f  good  steed  on  our  account ;  we  were  not  worth 
thy  pains." 

44  God  give  me  better  luck  another  time  !  "  laughed  the 
knight,  turning  his  horse's  head,  and  beckoning  to  his  two 
followers,  whereupon  the  other  four  emerged  from  the 
forest  and  joined  the  procession. 

"  I  greatly  suspect  that  ye  are  going  to  Halberstadt  on 
some  weighty  errand,"  Bock  continued,  as  they  rode  along. 

44 1  have  ever  marvelled  at  thy  sagacity,  Sir  Knight," 
returned  the  chancellor,  roguishly. 

44  Truly,  I  never  knew  whither  this  road  led,  save  to 
Halberstadt,"  put  in  Florencius. 

Bock  pointed  straight  in  front  of  them,  and  observed,  — 

44  There  lieth  an  excellent  farm  belonging  to  our  gracious 
lady.  Art  thou  aware  of  the  fact,  Master  Chancellor,  that 
they  brew  rare  beer  there?  A  most  delectable  drink  on  a 
dusty  spring  clay  !  " 

44  How  thou  talkest !  "  laughed  Master  Willekin. 

44  We  must  go  thither,"  remarked  Bock;  44  we  must 
fodder  our  beasts  there." 

44  So  !     Is  that  where  thou  keepest  thine  oats?  " 

44  Convent  oats  are  the  best,  far  and  wide,"  replied 
Bock,  with  quite  an  innocent  and  serious  expression. 

44  And  the  cheapest,"  added  Florencius. 

Whereupon  the  scrivener  received  a  glance  from  the 
knight  which  convinced  him  that  he  had  best  hold  his 
peace. 

Soon  arose  a  lively  interchange  of  opinions  as  to  the 
strife  between  the  city  of  Quedlinburg  and  the  Count  von 
Regenstein  over  his  judicial  rights  and  the  encroachment 
of  the  bishop,  of  whom  the  knight  spoke  but  ill. 

Bock  von  Schlanstedt  resolutely  defended  the  injured 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  27 

count,  for  wnom  he  was  ready  to  go  through  fire  and  water. 
This  strange,  inconsistent  man  had  attached  himself  to 
the  house  of  Regenstein  with  the  most  utter  devotion.  He 
not  only  had  seen  all  the  seven  brothers  grow  up  under  his 
eyes,  but  he  had  carried  them  in  his  arms,  and  before  him, 
in  the  saddle  ;  he  had  been  their  faithful  attendant  and 
patient  playmate,  and,  later,  their  instructor  in  riding, 
fencing,  and  tilting. 

As  a  lad,  he  had  run  away  from  his  father,  a  farmer  in 
the  village  of  Schlanstedt,  because  he  had  no  desire  to  fol- 
low the  plough.  Hard  by  Schlanstedt  the  Regensteins 
owned  a  fortress,  with  the  garrison  of  which  the  boy  be- 
came a  favorite,  carrying  secretly  to  the  troopers  many  a 
dainty  morsel  from  his  father's  kitchen.  In  return,  they 
taught  him  the  art  of  war,  which  gave  him  such  distaste 
for  the  plough  that  one  fine  day  he  disappeared  from  his 
home.  He  presented  himself  to  Count  Ulrich  von  Regen- 
stein, who,  at  Bock's  earnest  entreaty,  took  him  into  his 
service.  In  course  of  time  the  youth  became  a  stalwart 
squire,  winning  his  master's  confidence  by  his  loyalty  and 
reckless  courage.  In  a  feud  between  Count  Ulrich  and  the 
noble  lords  of  Barby,  occasioned  by  their  continual  raids 
into  the  Hartz  country,  Bock  so  distinguished  himself  that, 
when  the  struggle  ended  successfully  for  the  Regensteins, 
the  count  bestowed  knighthood  upon  him.  This  honor 
elated  Bock  greatly  in  his  own  esteem,  and  he  endeavored 
to  assume  a  chivalrous  demeanor,  though  he  treated  the 
common  soldiers  like  brothers,  sharing  with  them  toil  and 
danger  as  heretofore. 

He  possessed  nothing.  He  considered  that  his  horse, 
armor,  sword,  and  shield  belonged  to  the  count  from  whom 
he  received  them,  as  also  the  last  drop  of  blood  in  his 
body.  To  be  a  vassal  of  the  Count  von  Regenstein  was 
his  pride  and  pleasure,  and  with  the  same  fidelity  that  he 


28  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

had  shown  to  the  father  he  now  served  the  sons,  of  whom 
Albrecht  was  his  paragon  and  Siegfried  his  darling. 

The  knight  regarded  the  town  and  convent  of  Quedlin- 
burg  very  differently.  Toward  the  first  he  was  unfriendly, 
because  it  tried  to  curtail  his  master's  rights  ;  but  he  con- 
sidered, as  a  dependant  of  her  protector,  that  the  abbess 
had  the  same  claim  upon  the  strength  of  his  right  hand 
that  he  and  his  horse  had,  according  to  his  notions,  upon 
her  beer  and  her  fodder. 

When  the  riders  arrived  at  the  farm,  called  Mfinchen- 
hofe,  Bock  alighted  from  his  horse,  and  called  out  to  one 
of  his  followers,  — 

"  We  bide  here,  Nothnngel !  " 

Willekin  and  Florencius  accepted  a  stirrup-cup  of  the 
rare  beer  from  the  farm  bailiff,  which  they  praised  highly, 
and  once  more  started  on  their  way. 

"  I  trust  the  worthy  bishop  will  receive  thee  graciously, 
Master  Chancellor,"  the  knight  called  out  after  him  ; 
"  but  I  fear  thou  wilt  have  trouble  with  thy  message." 

u  I  doubt  not  that  he  will  listen  to  it  with  both  ears," 
nnswered  Master  Willekin,  turning  round  in  the  saddle. 

"  And  invite  thee  to  be  his  guest,  out  of  gratitude?  " 

"  Only  wait,  Sir  Bock,  and  see  who  will  have  to  pay  the 
reckoning." 

"  Oh,  ice  are  in  his  debt  already,"  cried  Bock,  laughing. 

"  Deep  enough,  I  warrant  me  !  "  returned  the  chancellor, 
in  the  same  tone. 

"We  can  pay — with  this!"  and  Bock  grasped  his 
sword. 

But  the  two  riders  were  now  quite  beyond  hearing. 

"  Methinks  thou  art  bound  upon  some  crooked  errand, 
Master  Willekin  !  "  muttered  the  lean  hero,  with  a  distrust- 
ful look  after  the  departing  chancellor.  "Fill  it  up, 
Ilasenbart !  "  said  he  to  another  of  his  companions,  as  he 


THE  BOBBER  COUNT.  29 

bunded  him  the  empty  jug  ;  "  but  to-day  we  must  not  in- 
dulge in  more  than  three  draughts,  or  the  Quedlinburgers 
will  be  out  of  sight.  We  must  let  them  think  that  we  stay 
here,  and  this  was  why  I  bade  thee  unsaddle  the  horses. 
We  will  follow  them  at  a  brisk  pace  beyond  Wegleben,  and 
halt  near  Emersleben.  Our  men  will  pass  by  Derenburg, 
and  we  can  light  upon  them  in  the  neighborhood  of 
Schwanebeck  ;  the  counts  Crottorf  and  Schlanstedt  will 
be  of  the  number." 

"  We  shall  have  our  hands  full !  "  grumbled  Nothnagel. 

"  Hands  full!"  repeated  Bock;  "Count  Albrecht  will 
be  hard  by,  and  we  are  seven  "  ;  and  thereupon  they  set 
to  work  saddling  their  horses. 

An  hour  before  noon  Willekin  and  Florencius  arrived  at 
Petershofe,  the  stately  episcopal  palace  in  Halberstadt, 
situated  on  an  eminence  opposite  the  cathedral,  and 
strongly  fortified. 

The  chancellor  dismounted,  saying  to  Florencius,  — 

"  Go  to  my  worthy  friend,  the  canon,  Herbord  Moor, 
and  put  up  the  horses,  telling  him  that  he  may  expect  us 
at  the  noonday  meal.  Greet  him  from  me,  and  say  that  I 
will  not  keep  him  waiting  long." 

The  scrivener  nodded,  and,  leading  the  chancellor's 
horse,  rode  to  the  canon's. 

Master  Willekin  entered  the  gloomy  gateway,  passed 
through  the  court-yard,  and  into  the  palace. 


SO  THE  ROBBER   COUNT. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

A  young  priest  led  the  chancellor  up  several  steps, 
through  an  anteroom  into  a  vaulted  corridor,  dimly 
lighted  by  a  hanging  lamp,  at  the  end  of  which  was  the 
bishop's  private  apartment.  There,  in  a  spacious,  luxu- 
riously furnished  room,  he  left  the  visitor,  and  Master 
Willekin,  as  he  sat  there  among  these  unfamiliar  surround- 
ings, felt  no  little  trepidation  at  the  prospect  of  the  coming 
interview. 

The  bishop  did  not  keep  him  long  in  suspense.  Tie 
soon  appeared,  clothed  in  a  long  purple  robe,  a  slender, 
youthful  figure,  with  a  pale,  aristocratic  face,  to  which  a 
pair  of  dark  eyes  lent  a  somewhat  imperious  expression. 

The  chancellor  bowed  low,  and  Bishop  Albrecht  wel- 
comed him,  saying,  — 

"  And  how  goeth  it  with  our  gracious  lady  of  Quedlin- 
burg?" 

"  She  sendeth  thee  her  friendly  greeting,  most  reverend 
sir,"  answered  the  chancellor,  with  another  obeisance. 

"  And  announceth  to  me  her  intention  of  assisting  at 
my  installation,"  added  the  bishop,  a  smile  of  satisfaction 
passing  over  his  pale  face. 

The  chancellor  was  silent,  and  looked  down  in  great 
embarrassment. 

"How?  Thou  art  silent?  Thou  dost  not  surely  tell  me 
that  she  is  not  coming  ?  " 

'■  I  would  that  I  could  tell  thee  otherwise,  reverend  sir," 
answered  the  chancellor,  in  a  low  tone. 

"She  cometh  not!"  exclaimed  the  bishop,  in  dis- 
pleasure. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  31 

Willekin  slowly  shook  his  heal,  while  Bishop  Albrecht 
strode  through  the  room,  struggling  to  conceal  his  vexa- 
tion. Then,  stopping  short,  and  folding  his  arms,  he 
inquired,  haughtily,  — 

"  And,  pray,  what  excuse  doth  she  send  for  absenting 
herself?" 

His  visitor  hesitated  before  he  replied,  and  then  said, — 

"Reverend  sir,  there  are  scruples  and  considerations 
which  influence  our  gracious  lady  ;  the  Holy  Father  is  her 
spiritual  ruler,  and  —  " 

"  Ha !  ha  !  So  that  is  the  reason  !  "  laughed  the  bishop. 
"  Because  Pope  John,  in  his  Babylonian  captivity  at  Avig- 
non, denieth  me  his  blessing  !  I  never  suspected  our  beau- 
tiful sister,  Jutta,  of  having  so  tender  a  conscience.  Never- 
theless, I  trust  we  shall  be  able  to  overcome  her  scruples." 

"I  doubt  it,  my  lord!" 

"  How?  Because  I  will  not  cringe  and  bow  before  the 
declining  power  of  the  pope,  but  choose  to  preserve  my 
independence,  the  abbess  of  a  free  convent,  herself  an  im- 
perial princess,  refuseth  me  this  friendly  courtesy  ? "  the 
bishop  continued,  in  indignant  astonishment.  u  Master 
Chancellor,  the  true  reason  is  not  what  you  tell  me  !  " 

M  I  scarcely  know,  reverend  sir,  how  I  —  " 

"  Bethink  thyself !  Thou  knowest  another  reason,"  in- 
terrupted Bishop  Albrecht,  sharply ;  adding,  as  no  an- 
swer came,  "  Look  me  in  the  face,  Master  Willekin  von 
Herrkestorf !  Have  these  scruples  originated  with  the 
abbess  ? " 

"  Nay,  indeed,  worshipful  sir  !  "  replied  the  other,  driven 
at  last  into  a  corner. 

' '  Aha  !  I  will  tell  thee  whence  these  scruples  came.  The 
wind  blew  from  Regenstein  that  wafted  them  to  her.  The 
count  was  at  the  convent  ?  " 

The  chancellor  nodded. 


32  THE  ROBBER   COUNT. 

With  his  hands  clasped  behind  his  back,  the  bishop 
again  strode  impatiently  np  and  down. 

"  Tell  me  all  about  it !  "  he  exclaimed,  angrily. 

"  I  had  just  received  an  order  from  our  gracious  lady, 
in  the  presence  of  the  Countess  Kunigunde,  to  inform  thee 
that  she  and  her  chapter  would  be  present  at  the  conse- 
cration. The  Count  Albrecht  came,  told  of  his  quarrel 
with  thee,  my  lord,  and  —  " 

"  And  persuaded  the  fickle  princess  to  decline,"  con- 
tinued the  bishop,  bitterly.  "Oh!  I  can  hear  him,  and  he 
shall  pny  for  it ! " 

"Thou  hast  guessed  all,  reverend  sir,"  said  the  chan- 
cellor.    "  I  have  —  " 

"  Thou  hast  told  me  nothing.  Nay  !  nay  !  As  ye  will, 
as  ye  will,  sir  count,  and  my  lady  abbess  !  Hearken,  now, 
to  my  answer,  Master  Chancellor :  Announce  to  thy 
gracious  lady  my  deep  regret  at  her  decision,  and  my  hope 
that  the  Holy  Father  may  reward  her  for  it  when  he  heareth 
of  her  loyalty." 

These  words  were  uttered  with  an  unpleasant  laugh,  and 
the  speaker's  face  looked  paler  than  usual.  Then  he 
stepped  to  the  table  and  rang  a  small  bell. 

The  young  priest  entered,  and  received  an  order,  which 
was  inaudible  to  the  visitor. 

As  the  door  closed,  Bishop  Albrecht  sat  down,  and 
invited  the  chancellor  to  take  a  seat  also,  saying,  — 

"  Now,  let  us  hear  some  good  tidings  of  the  trade  and 
traffic  of  the  fair  city  of  Quedlinburg." 

The  chancellor  seated  himself  opposite,  and  remarked,— 

"I  have  been  charged  with  3*et  another  commission, 
reverend  sir." 

Bishop  Albrecht  listened  in  silence. 

"  By  the  burgomaster,  Nikolaus  von  Bekheim,"  con- 
tinued Master  Willekin. 


THE  BOBBER  COUNT.  33 

"  By  the  burgomaster?    To  me ? " 

Master  Willekin,  who  felt  sore  at  the  haughty  manner 
in  which  he  had  been  treated,  and  now  indignant  at  this 
pretended  surprise,  answered,  with  some  irritation,  — 

"  Thou  mayst  trust  me,  my  lord  ;  I  am  fully  initiated. 
The  council  accepteth  the  alliance  with  thee." 

A  gleam  of  satisfaction  passed  quickly  over  the  bishop's 
face,  but  he  repressed  it  instantly,  as  he  said,  — 

"Pardon  me,  Master  Herrkestorf;  but  this  is  a  secret 
affair,  of  which  I  presumed  that  thou  wert  ignorant." 

Master  Willekin  understood,  and  spoke  with  added 
vexation,  — 

"  Pray  do  not  forget,  my  lord,  that  I  am  not  only  chan- 
cellor of  the  chipter,  but  also  a  respectable  burgher  of  my 
native  town.  I  take  it  for  granted  that  nothing  injurious 
to  my  gracious  lady  will  be  included  in  your  covenant, 
otherwise  I  should  certainly  not  have  been  the  bearer  of 
this  secret  intelligence." 

"  Doth  the  council  accept  my  conditions  unreservedly? " 
asked  the  bishop,  coolly. 

"  It  agreeth  in  the  main  to  thy  propositions,  but  desire th 
a  definite  statement  of  the  succor  to  be  expected  from  thee 
in  certain  contingencies,  and  an  exchange  of  legal  docu- 
ments." 

"  Oh,  these  tedious  negotiations  !  But  send  me  your 
authorized  agents." 

"Here,  —  to  Halberstadt?  That  could  not  be  done 
without  the  knowledge  of  those  against  whom  the  offensive 
and  defensive  alliance  is  directed.  The  Regensteins  have 
their  spies  everywhere.  Only  to-day,  on  my  way  hither, 
I  was  beset  by  them." 

"  Thou  art  right.     But  what  woiildst  thou  advise?  " 

"  Send  thy  bond  to  us  by  a  trusty  messenger,  and  we 
will  send  ours  in  return  by  the  same  hand." 


34  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

"  Be  it  so,  then,"  replied  the  bishop,  after  a  short 
pause,  rising  from  his  seat.  "  The  compact  between 
myself  and  the  city  of  Quedlinburg  is  now,  I  consider, 
concluded." 

"As  good  as  concluded,  reverend  sir!"  answered  the 
chancellor,  and  shook  the  bishop's  proffered  hand. 

"  Deliver  my  friendly  greeting  to  the  worthy  councillors, 
Master  Willekin  von  Herrkestorf ,  and  forget  not  what  I 
bade  thee  say  to  the  noble  abbess." 

Then  he  waved  a  gracious  farewell  to  his  visitor  who  had 
brought  him  at  once  so  distasteful  and  so  welcome  a  mes- 
sage. 

As  the  latter  left  the  palace  behind  him,  with  its  heavy 
walls  and  dark  arches,  and  passed  out  into  the  sunshine 
which  gleamed  upon  the  cathedral  spires  soaring  aloft  into 
the  blue  sky,  he  breathed  more  freely.  Thoughtful,  but, 
on  the  whole,  not  dissatisfied  with  the  result  of  the  inter- 
view, he  went  his  way.  He  had  inflamed  the  bishop's 
enmity  against  his  own  foe,  Count  Albrecht ;  he  was  about 
to  take  back  to  the  lady  abbess  a  well-deserved  rebuke  for 
her  fickleness  ;  he  had  opposed  the  independence  of  the 
burgher  to  the  bishop's  imperiousness,  and  had  brought 
the  desired  understanding  nearer  a  conclusion.  The  more 
he  thought  over  the  result  of  the  conversation  the  better 
he  was  satisfied,  and  the  more  briskly  he  walked  toward 
the  dwelling  of  the  jovial  canon. 

He  had  no  sooner  gone  than  the  young  priest  again 
entered,  bringing  with  him  an  older  man,  whose  wrinkled 
countenance  spoke  of  reserve  and  thoughtfulness.  It  was 
the  cathedral  provost,  Jordan  von  Donfus,  a  dovoted  ad- 
herent of  the  bishop,  whose  zeal  had  been  rewarded  by  the 
first  place  in  the  cathedral  chapter. 

The  bishop  advanced  to  meet  him,  exclaiming,  — 

"  Jordanus,  she  is  not  coming  !  " 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  35 

"  Did  not  I  say  so,  reverend  sir,  a  sennight  since?" 

"  But  thou  knowest  not  the  cause." 

The  provost  looked  down  thoughtfully  for  a  moment, 
and  then  said,  — 

"  I  know  of  many  possible  excuses,  but  only  one  true 
reason,  and  that  is  —  Count  Albrecht." 

14  How  can  I  be  revenged,  Jordanus?  " 

4 'On  the  abbess,  by  forgetting  her  existence;  and  ou 
the  count  —  " 

44  By  a  struggle  to  the  death  !  "  interrupted  the  bishop, 
impetuously. 

44  Nay,  he  is  too  powerful,"  answered  the  other  with 
composure  ;  "we  must  lay  snares  for  him,  cross  his  path- 
way, hinder  his  designs,  and  force  him  back,  step  by  step, 
till  we  have  thoroughly  enfeebled  him." 

The  bishop  shook  his  head. 

44  That  doth  not  suit  me,  provost !  I  would  strike  vigor- 
ously, blow  upon  blow.  The  purchase  of  Wegeleben  and 
Schneitlingen  will  be  concluded  to-morrow,  and  on  that 
account  I  sent  for  thee.  With  the  possession  of  the  latter 
I  plant  my  foot  in  Swabia,  and  Wegeleben  inserteth  itself 
like  a  wedge  in  the  midst  of  the  Regenstein  province." 

The  provost  nodded  quietly,  and  then  said,  — 

44  In  sooth,  if  thou  dost  not  take  it,  Count  Albrecht  will, 
as  he  hath  taken  the  castle  of  Gersdorf ." 

"  Hath  he  done  so  already  !  " 

44  Probably  ;  in  no  case  will  he  allow  it  to  escape  him." 

44  We  must  gain  more  territory,  to  increase  our  power,** 
said  the  bishop,  becoming  more  and  more  stirred.  44 1 
will  not  rest  till  I  see  the  Count  von  Begenstein  at  my 
feet.  He  alone  hindereth  the  abbess  from  coming  to  my 
consecration,  and  he  shall  answer  for  it." 

44  It  is  an  untimely  circumstance,  on  account  of  the 
archbishop." 


36  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

"  Verily  !  What  will  he  think,  if  the  abbess  and  oount 
both  fail  us?" 

"  And  the  others,  —  the  counts  of  Mansfeld,  Hohnstein, 
Stolberg  —  " 

"Have  they  declined  likewise?"  the  bishop  asked, 
gloomily. 

"  Not  yet ;  but  belie  vest  thou  that  they  will  come,  if  the 
Regensteins  remain  away  ?  " 

The  bishop  stamped  his  foot. 

"  And  all  this  is  owing  to  one  man  !  But  I  will  crush 
him,  Jordanus  !     I  will  crush  him  !  " 

14  Then  thou  must  make  up  thy  mind  to  a  bitter  conflict, 
most  reverend  sir  !  " 

"  I  have  done  so,  and  it  will  be  for  the  mastery  of  this 
Hartz  region.  Only  one  of  us  can  be  ruler,  and  /  will  be 
he!" 

"  If  thou  wert  more  sure  of  the  towns,"  observed  the 
provost. 

"  Osterwiek  is  true  to  me,  Quedlinburg  is  coming  over 
to  us,  and  only  our  dear  Halberstadt  is  not  to  be  trusted," 
answered  the  bishop  thoughtfully  ;  adding,  "  Send  a  mes- 
senger early  to-morrow  morning  with  a  letter  to  the  Prince 
of  Anhalt,  saying  I  accept  his  conditions,  and  consider 
myself  from  this  time  possessor  of  Wegeleben  and  Schneit- 
lingen." 

u  It  is  at  least  a  beginning,"  remarked  the  provost. 

u  Yea,  the  first  step  in  the  struggle  with  the  count ;  the 
struggle  for  supremacy  in  this  province." 

As  the  bishop  parted  from  the  cautious  provost,  with 
these  words  on  his  lips,  he  knew  not  that  the  first  step  had 
already  been  taken,  though  not  by  him,  indeed.  Yet  he 
was  to  hear  of  it  before  the  day  was  over. 

Toward  evening,  as  he  was  musing  alone,  a  serving-man 
entered,  with  troubled  looks,  exclaiming,  — 


THE  ROBBER   COUNT.  37 

u  My  lord,  Glefing  is  without,  the  governor  of  Emersle- 
ben, and  wisheth  to  speak  with  thee  ;  he  is  wounded." 

The  bishop  sprang  up,  as  if  he  had  received  a  blow. 

u  What  sayest  thou?  Glefing  wounded?  Bring  him 
here ! » 

He  was  filled  with  dismay,  and  could  scarcely  wait  till 
the  man  had  made  his  appearance. 

The  soldier  carried  his  right  arm  in  a  sling,  and  was 
pale  and  weak  from  loss  of  blood. 

"Glefing!  What  hath  happened ?"  cried  the  bishop, 
before  the  wounded  man  could  utter  a  word.  "  Were  the 
Regensteins  at  Emersleben  ?  " 

'•  Alack,  most  reverend  sir,  they  are  there  still." 

"  Thou  dost  not  mean  to  tell  me  that  they  have  seized 
the  castle  ?  " 

"  Yea,  my  lord,  I  do.  The  five  counts  came  all  at  once, 
Count  Albrecht  at  their  head,  with  twenty  horsemen  and 
their  foot-soldiers  from  Regenstein,  Derenburg,  Schwane- 
beck,  and  Crottorf,  and  Bock  von  Schlanstedt,  with  his 
men.  The  gate  was  secured,  and  the  bridge  drawn  up, 
but  before  we  could  raise  our  cross-bows  they  were  on  the 
walls,  and  assaulted  us  with  all  manner  of  missiles.  At 
first  they  gained  no  advantage,  and  many  of  them  were 
shot  down,  but  we  were  greatly  outnumbered,  and  too  hard 
pressed.  When  they  were  once  inside  the  gate,  Count 
Albrecht  called  to  me  to  surrender,  else  would  he  slaughter 
us  all.  I  refused,  and  we  had  a  hot  scuffle,  till  I  was 
slashed  in  the  arm,  and  then  all  was  over.  Three  of  us 
lay  dead,  and  four  wounded.  They  threw  us  out,  and 
have  strongly  garrisoned  the  castle.  Emersleben  is  again 
in  the  hands  of  the  Regensteins." 

The  bishop  meanwhile  sat  by  the  table,  his  head  upon 
his  hand,  listening  in  silence  to  the  governor's  report. 

"That  is  not  all,  my  lord,"  added  Glefing. 


38  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

"Hast  thou  anymore  croaking  to  do,  thou  bird  of  ill 
omen?" 

"  Only  a  message  from  Count  Albrecht.  He  bade  me 
say,  my  lord,  that  the  sword  greeteth  the  crosier,  and  that 
when  one  cannot  get  an  honest  deed  of  sale,  one  must  get 
one's  rights  as  one  can." 

"Go  to  the  —  leech,  and  get  thy  wound  dressed," 
snarled  the  bishop. 

The  man  departed,  with  neither  thanks  nor  farewell, 
while  his  master  strode  to  and  fro,  muttering  imprecations 
against  Count  von  Regenstein. 

At  length,  somewhat  more  composed,  he  said  to  him- 
self, — 

"Ah!  well!  What  we  have  lost  in  Emersleben  we 
must  try  to  regain  in  Wegeleben." 

It  was  late  when  lie  betook  himself  to  rest,  and  even 
then  he  tossed  about  on  his  couch  a  long  time  before  slum- 
ber came  to  refresh  the  wearied  brain  of  the  ambitious 
prelate. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  39 


CHAPTER  V. 

Indulging  in  empty  threats,  and  then  letting  the  matter 
drop,  was  not  Count  Albrecht's  way.  He  had  said  to  the 
abbess  that  he  would  first  regain  Emersleben,  and  then 
come  to  a  reckoning  with  the  town  of  Quedlinburg.  He  had 
carried  out  the  first  part  of  his  design,  and  bow  he  was 
ready  to  fulfil  the  second.  He  chose  for  the  purpose  the 
day  on  which  the  Prince  Bernhard,  of  Anhalt,  invested  him 
with  the  castle  and  jurisdiction  of  Gersdorf. 

After  the  ceremony  of  feudal  investiture  had  taken  place 
on  the  spot,  according  to  the  customary  usages,  and 
Albrecht  had  installed  his  brother,  Giinther,  as  castellan 
of  Gersdorf,  he  rode  witli  the  youngest,  Siegfried,  and  a 
small  body  of  troopers,  directly  to  Quedlinburg.  Near  the 
city  stood  the  municipal  strongholds  of  Tackenburg  and 
Stumsburg,  and  also  the  high  tree,  not  far  from  the  stone 
bridge  gate.  This  was  a  mighty  linden,  under  which  was 
an  old  seat  of  justice,  where  nobles  were  tried,  and  where, 
in  the  thirteenth  century,  division  was  formally  made  of 
the  territory  of  Brunswick  between  the  dukes  Albrecht  and 
Johann,  the  ancestors  of  the  two  lines  of  Brunswick-Liine- 
burg  and  Bruns wick- Wolf eubiittel. 

As  the  riders  approached  the  place,  Albrecht's  horse  be- 
came unruly,  and  at  first  refused  to  proceed.  After  some 
difficulty  he  forced  the  beast  to  go  on,  saying,  at  the  same 
time,  to  Siegfried,  — 

"It  is  passing  strange;  but  Bran  seemeth  to  scent 
blood,  as  if  he  knew  how  many  a  brave  man  had  been  con- 
demned to  death  here.  God  forbid  that  a  Kegenstein 
should  ever  stand  accused  under  this  tree  !  " 


4*0  TEE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

"  Amen  !  "  answered  Siegfried.  "  Albrecht,  what  should 
put  such  thoughts  into  thy  head  ?  " 

"I  know  not,"  his  brother  replied  ;  "but  animals  will 
perceive  things  of  which  men  divine  nought,  and  I  always 
heed  the  little  dumb  signs  of  horse  and  dog,  trusty  com- 
rades, who  seldom  deceive  us." 

They  rode  through  the  massive  gateway,  the  burghers 
wondering  much  nt  the  unexpected  visit,  and  casting  sul- 
len glances  at  Count  Albrecht,  albeit  they  did  not  fail  to 
salute  him  as  he  passed ;  but  the  matrons  and  maidens 
admired  the  two  knightly  figures,  Siegfried  especially. 
The  latter  went  on  to  Gunteckenburg,  where  he  was  to 
wait  for  his  elder  brother. 

Count  Albrecht  dismounted  in  the  market-place,  in  front 
of  the  council-house,  gave  his  horse  to  an  attendant,  and 
strode  up  the  broad  steps,  and  through  the  door,  over 
which  a  great  imperial  eagle  was  carved  and  painted. 

He  had  ascertained  that  there  was  to  be  a  session  of  the 
council  this  afternoon,  and  it  was  for  that  reason  that  he 
had  come  to-day.  He  pushed  the  man  aside  who  was 
about  to  inform  the  assembled  councillors  of  his  arrival, 
and  entered  the  hall  unannounced,  where  his  sudden 
appearance  caused  much  surprise. 

"  Pardon  me,  respected  sirs,  for  breaking  in  upon  your 
weighty  deliberations  so  abruptly,  but  I  wish  to  speak  a 
few  serious  words  to  you  in  peace  and  friendship,"  he 
began. 

Refusing  the  chair  which  the  town  notary  offered  him, 
he  continued,  in  a  resolute  tone,  — 

"Ye  know,  I  ween,  burgomasters  and  council,  my 
opinion  regarding  the  spiritual  court  set  up  here  in  the 
city  by  the  reverend  bishop  of  Halberstadt ;  and  in  case 
any  of  you  should  be  ignorant  of  it,  I  say  to  you,  there- 
fore, that  I  will  not  suffer  this  encroachment  upon  my  pre- 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  41 


rogative  any  longer.  Hath  any  burgher  of  your  city  had 
injustice  done  by  me?  Hath  he  been  denied  his  rights,  or 
sentenced  too  severely?" 

"  Most  noble  Count,"  answered  the  first  burgomaster, 
"  we  have  not  established  the  spiritual  court ;  but,  as  thou 
hast  said  thyself,  the  reverend  bishop  of  Halberstadt." 

"But  thou  hast  tolerated  it!"  exclaimed  the  count 
vehemently,  striking  the  bar  in  front  of  the  council  table 
with  his  mailed  hand. 

"  The  bishop  hath  put  a  judge  here  to  take  cognizance  of 
spiritual  matters  only,  Sir  Count,"  urged  the  burgomaster. 

"  Spiritual  or  secular,"  cried  the  count,  "  whoever 
appealeth  to  the  law,  priest  or  layman,  must  be  tried  by  a 
legitimate  court.  Any  poor  sinner  in  trouble  can  sneak  to 
his  father  confessor,  and  the  bishop  may  settle  all  church 
matters,  but  I  only  have  the  right  to  administer  justice  in 
the  Emperor's  name ;  I  or  my  appointed  substitute.  Do 
ye  agree  to  that?     Dare  ye  deny  it?" 

"We  must  admit  it,"  said  the  burgomaster,  after  a 
rapid  glance  at  the  assembly,  who  assented,  with  a  low 
murmur. 

"Now,  then,  ye  know  what  ye  have  to  expect,"  the 
count  went  on.  UI  will  fine  you  three  hundred  silver 
marks  for  every  sentence  pronounced  by  any  other  than 
my  appointed  representative.  Every  burgher  of  your  town 
will  be  held  responsible  !  And  now,  worthy  burgomaster, 
I  request  thee  to  accompany  me,  with  two  councillors,  to 
the  Franciscan  monastery,  that  wre  may,  on  the  spot,  pro- 
hibit any  more  intermeddling  by  the  reverend  bishop  of 
Halberstadt."  % 

What  were  they  to  do?  The  count  did  not  look  as  if  he 
would  wait  long,  and  they  well  knew  how  heavy  his  hand 
was  when  it  descended  in  anger  upon  the  town.  They 
dared  not  exasperate  him  now.     The  session  was  ended , 


42  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

and  the  burgomaster  obliged,  with  two  councillors,  to  fol- 
low Count  Albrecht  to  the  Franciscan  monastery.  Then 
two  monks  were  immediately  sent  to  require  the  presence 
of  the  rector  of  St.  Agidien.  The  Count  von  Regenstein 
ordered  him,  in  a  few  blunt  words,  to  renounce  his  office 
of  judge,  and  swear,  in  God's  name,  from  this  time  forth, 
to  undertake  no  case  whatever.  Upon  the  priest's  refusal, 
Albrecht  threatened  to  drive  him  out  of  the  city,  and  im- 
prison him  in  the  tower  at  Regenstein.  Then  the  rector 
yielded,  and  took  the  oath  in  the  presence  of  the  council- 
lors, the  prior,  and  several  of  the  monks. 

Thereupon  the  count  and  his  followers  rode  away,  and 
it  was  not  until  he  had  passed  out  of  the  gate  that  the 
council  and  burghers  breathed  freely  once  more.  It  was 
as  if  a  water-spout  had  been  hanging  over  the  town,  por- 
tending death  and  destruction,  which  had  now  disappeared. 
Certainly,  Count  Albrecht  did  not  take  with  him  an  in- 
crease of  affection  on  the  part  of  the  Quedlinburgers,  but 
the  bishop's  spiritual  court  was  at  an  end,  and  the  count 
hoped  to  live  awhile  in  peace.  But  quiet  at  Regenstein 
was  not  to  last  long.  Bock  von  Schlanstedt  took  care  of 
that. 

This  worthy,  who  never  took  off  his  armor,  and  was 
happy  only  in  the  stirrup,  burning  to  look  at  the  newly 
acquired  fortress  of  Gersdorf ,  set  off  thither  one  day,  with 
his  six  comrades,  and,  in  the  absence  of  Count  Giinther, 
spent  a  night  there. 

The  next  morning,  wishing  to  return  to  Regenstein,  the 
seven  took  the  road  which  led  by  Quedlinburg.  Bock 
rode  slowly  in  front,  and  the  othe/s  followed  at  a  short 
distance.  Two  of  the  latter  had  been  present  the  day 
before  at  the  installation  of  the  bishop,  at  the  count's  com- 
mand, in  order  that  he  might  learn  which  of  the  neighbor- 
ing nobles  had  assisted  at  the  ceremonv. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  43 

They  now  described  to  their  companions  the  magnifi- 
cence of  the  procession  through  the  gayly  decorated  town, 
the  solemn  consecration  in  the  cathedral,  and  the  revels 
afterward  in  the  episcopal  palace  and  council  house. 

44  Holy  Virgin  !  "  cried  Nothnagel,  "  I  tell  thee  there  was 
a  display  of  clothes  and  armor,  jewels  and  banners  !  " 

14  And  priests  enough,  I  warrant  thee,"  said  Hasenbart. 
44 1  believe  every  blessed  one  came  from  ten  miles  around." 

4i  And  the  neighborhood  is  as  full  of  church  lands  as  a 
wine- vat  of  grapes,"  observed  another. 

44  Think  ye  that  many  of  the  nobles  who  were  bidden, 
stayed  away?" 

44  None  of  our  counts  were  there,"  replied  Nothnagel ; 
44  neither  were  the  Mansfelds,  the  Hohnsteins,  or  the  Stol- 
bergs." 

44  Nor  our  gracious  lady  of  Quedlinburg,"  interposed 
Hasenbart.  t4 1  strained  my  eyes  to  see  her,  but  she  was 
not  there.     God  knoweth  the  reason." 

44  Because  she  doth  not  approve  of  the  bishop." 

44  lie  had  much  difficulty  over  his  election  till  he  got 
into  the  chapter,"  said  Nothnagel.  44  They  say,  in  Hal- 
berstadt,  that  the  pope  is  against  him." 

44  He  is  not  in  the  Emperor's  good  books,  either,"  added 
another. 

4 kWe  did  not  trouble  ourselves  about  him"  laughed 
Hasenbart ;  "we  caroused  to  our  heart's  content." 

44  And  drank  your  fill?  " 

44  Yea,  brother,  that  we  did.  The  count  put  money  in 
our  purses,  because  we  wore  the  Regenstein  colors.  We 
made  ourselves  at  home  with  the  council  guard,  and  other 
good  fellows.  The  bishop's  followers  were  wroth  because 
we  would  have  nothing  to  say  to  them." 

So  the  pair  went  on  telling  their  adventures.  But  as 
they  neared  Quedlinburg,  Bock  rode  to  the  top  of  a  hill, 


44  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

lying  east  of  the  town,  and  halted  there.  From  this  point 
they  could  overlook  the  surrounding  country.  At  their 
feet  lay  the  many-towered  city,  behind  which  rose  the 
castle  of  the  abbess.  They  also  could  see  the  Wiperti 
monastery  and  the  Gunteckenburg,  and  in  the  distance  the 
high  mountain  ridge,  which  enclosed  the  picture  like  a  frame. 

The  spot,  a  u  Hun's  grave,"  encircled  by  a  rampart,  on 
the  summit  of  the  hill,  was  called  "  the  Bockshorn." 

The  knight  reined  in  his  horse,  in  order  to  see  how  near 
the  city  he  could  safely  venture  without  running  the  risk  of 
capture  by  the  council's  men-at-arms  ;  also  to  discover  any 
stray  cattle  or  incautious  burghers,  whose  capture  might, 
perhaps,  please  his  master.  To  judge  from  their  appear- 
ance, the  "Wicked  Seven"  had  not  received  their  title 
for  nothing.  Their  bold,  battered  faces,  with  shaggy  hair 
and  bristly  beards,  their  patched-up  armor  and  their  ill- 
conditioned  horses  gave  them  a  look  of  losels  such  as  no 
honest  Christian  would  willingly  encounter.  Their  weap- 
ons, moreover,  did  not  promise  child's  play.  Stout  lances 
and  clumsy  swords  were  most  conspicuous,  but,  in  addi- 
tion, each  carried  a  light  cross-bow,  with  a  stout  mace 
slung  at  the  saddle-bow,  while  their  helmets  bore  marks  of 
many  a  hard  blow. 

Nothing  was  to  be  seen  which  promised  booty,  so  the 
riders  dismounted,  and  threw  themselves  upon  the  ground. 
After  an  hour  of  fruitless  waiting,  Fenerlein,  one  of  their 
number,  who  had  been  placed  as  sentry,  called  out  sud- 
denly,— 

"  Sir  Knight,  there  come  wayfarers  !  "  and  he  pointed, 
as  he  spoke,  toward  Ballenstedt. 

The  others  were  on  their  feet  in  a  moment,  and  gazed 
earnestly  in  the  direction  indicated,  where  they  could 
descry  a  little  group  of  travellers  on  horseback. 

"  I  can  count  six  horses,"  said  Fenerlein. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  45 

"  I  see  only  four  riders,"  Hasenbart  declared. 

"  Thou  art  right.     Two  of  the  horses  are  pack-horses." 

"  Are  not  the  two  foremost,  women?  "  asked  Bock. 

"  Yea,  surely,"  returned  Springwolf. 

"  But  behind  ride  two  men,"  said  Northnagel. 

"  The  foremost  are  likewise  men,"  rejoined  Hasenbart. 

4'  Nay,  nay,  they  arc  women !  Those  behind  are  men. 
They  have  steel  helmets,  and  the  women  wear  mantles." 

So  they  talked  all  together,  while  hastily  examining 
buckles  and  straps,  to  see  that  all  was  in  order  for  a  rapid 
descent. 

"Two  gentlewomen  with  two  pack-horses,  and  accom- 
panied by  two  soldiers.  We  must  find  out  what  this 
meaneth,"  said  Fenerlein. 

"  Now  one  of  them  pointeth  hither." 

"They  see  us." 

"Quick!"  ordered  Bock.  "We  must  catch  them. 
Hasenbart  and  Gutdiinkel  to  the  right,  Fenerlein  and 
Springwolf  to  the  'left !  Nothnagel  with  me  !  Rupfer, 
bide  here  and  watch,  lest  any  escort  cometh  from  the  city 
to  meet  them.     Forward  !  " 

Instantly  they  were  in  the  saddle,  and  dashed  off  to  the 
right  and  left,  while  Bock  and  Nothnagel  galloped  directly 
toward  the  travellers. 

The  latter  soon  saw  that  they  were  surrounded,  and  the 
women  became  frightened.  Flight  was  out  of  the  ques- 
tion, and  when  Bock  observed  that  it  was  not  to  be 
attempted,  he  raised  his  hand,  and  his  four  comrades 
made  their  appearance,  on  either  side  of  the  wayfarers,  at 
a  little  distance,  but  not  offering  as  yet  to  lay  hands  upon 
them.     Bock  now  slowly  approached. 

"  Eilika,  what  shall  we  do?  "  asked  one  of  the  damsels, 
in  distress.  "  Shall  I  give  my  name,  and  say  that  I  am 
on  my  way  to  the  abbess  at  the  castle,  or  shall  I  not?" 


46  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

"  Do  not  tell  thy  name,  gracious  lady!"  urged  one  of 
the  soldiers. 

"My  lady!  I  have  a  thought,"  said  the  maiden  ad- 
dressed as  Eilika.  **  In  our  travelling  mantles  we  cannot 
be  distinguished.  Let  us  exchange  parts  ;  I  will  play  the 
lady,  and  thou  canst  be  the  maid.  Perchance  this  may 
save  us." 

"  As  thou  wilt,  Eilika  !  "  answered  the  other,  with  trem- 
bling voice.     "  God  protect  us  !  " 

"  Veil  thyself,"  whispered  the  maid. 

Half  a  bow-shot  from  the  strangers  Bock  halted,  Noth- 
nagel  behind  him.  The  others  levelled  their  cross-bows, 
and  all  six  eyed  the  travellers  as  a  wild  beast  eyes  his  prey. 

"Courage  !  "  whispered  the  maid,  half  to  herself,  half  to 
her  mistress  ;  u  only  boldness  will  save  us.  I  will  use  my 
tongue  freely." 

"  Halt!  "  cried  Bock,  as  the  party  slowly  advanced,  in 
apparent  unconcern. 

The  women  reined  in  their  horses,  their  faces  closely 
veiled. 

u  I  regret,  gentle  ladies,"  said  Bock,  sarcastically, 
"  that  I  must  incommode  ye  by  taking  ye  another  road. 
We  will  ride  the  same  way,  if  ye  will  kindly  submit  to  our 
company ! " 

"Truly,  Sir  Knight,"  replied  Eilika,  in  a  lofty  tone, 
which  sounded  quite  natural,  "  peraclventure  the  roads 
are  not  safe  from  freebooters." 

"  Fear  not,  gracious  lady.  I  will  take  thee  under  my 
protection.  Only  come  with  me !  Here,  to  the  right,  is 
the  way." 

"  What  meanest  thou,  Sir  Knight?  I  think  we  are  close 
to  our  journey's  end." 

"  I  will  inform  thee,  my  lady,  when  we  are  at  our  jour- 
ney's end,"  answered  Bock. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  M 

"So  we  are  thy  prisoners;  defenceless  women,  Sir 
Knight!  " 

11 1  will  not  conceal  it  from  thee,  gracious  lady,"  Bock 
replied,  with  a  si  iff  bow.  Then,  beckoning  his  men  to 
him,  and  pointing  to  the  two  soldiers,  he  said,  "  Take 
away  their  armor  and  weapons  !  " 

This  was  speedily  done,  and  the  cortege  turned  to  the 
right.  Bock  rode  in  front,  near  the  women,  who  looked 
mournfully  toward  the  castle  which  they  were  leaving 
farther  and  farther  behind  them. 

"Sir  Knight,"  began  Eilika  again,  "  I  see  that  we  are 
in  thy  power,  but  I  trust  thou  wilt  not  deny  me  a  re- 
quest." 

"  Surely  not,  lady,  if  thou  wilt  not  ask  me  to  leave 
thee." 

"  I  have  an  uncle  in  Quedlinburg  who  is  anxiously 
awaiting  my  coming,"  Eilika  resumed.  "  He  will  suffer 
great  uneasiness.  At  least,  permit  my  maid  to  return  to 
the  city,  and  carry  tidings  of  me  to  my  dear  uncle." 

"An  uncle  in  Quedlinburg  !  "  exclaimed  Bock  ;  "  and  to 
whom  thou  woulclst  send  thy  waiting-maid?  Nay,  my 
lady,  I  must  refuse  thy  petition.  Thou  appearest  to  be  a 
dame  who  needeth  an  attendant,  and  at  my  lord's  castle 
waiting-maids  are  not  so  plenty  that  thou  canst  dispense 
with  thine." 

A  sigh  escaped  from  the  supposed  attendant. 

"It  is  not  courteous  of  thee  to  refuse,  Sir  Knight," 
continued  Eilika. 

Bock  shrugged  his  shoulders  in  silence. 

After  they  had  crossed  a  shallow  part  of  the  Bode,  he 
led  his  captives  in  a  wide  circle  around  the  great  meadow 
called  "  The  Seven  Hides  of  Land,"  and  then  over  a  bridge 
by  the  Brunlaken  Mill,  which  belonged  to  the  abbess,  and 
where  the   knight  was    too   well   known    for   any  one  to 


48  THE  RODDER  COUNT. 

attempt  to  free  the  prisoners.  The  miller  stood  in  the 
doorway  of  the  noisy  mill,  and  Bock  cried  out, — 

"  Goo  1  day,  Master  Krage  !  Had  I  time,  I  would  take 
a  sack  of  meal." 

"  Thy  haste  suiteth  me  excellently  well,  Sir  Knight," 
answered  the  miller,  and  Bock  rode  on,  with  a  laugh. 

As  they  passed  beneath  the  gallows  hill,  he  said  to  the 
maiden, — 

4 '  Look  not  up,  lady !  Unsightly  things  are  swinging 
up  there !  " 

The  young  women  shuddered,  and  turned  away,  and 
after  crossing  other  hills,  they  came  to  a  level  plain,  where 
Rup-fer  joined  them.  The  two  maidens  conversed  together 
in  low  tones.     Finally,  Eilika  inquired,  — 

"  What  is  thy  name,  Sir  Knight?  " 

"  Bock  von  Schlanstedt,"  he  replied,  with  an  important 
air,  unconsciously  rising  in  his  stirrups.  '*  Hast  thou  not 
heard  of  me  before  ?  " 

11  God  be  praised  !  Never  before,  Sir  Bock  von  Schlan- 
stedt!" rejoined  Eilika,  humorously.  "And  thy  lord's 
name?" 

"  Count  Albrecht  von  Regenstein  !  "  exclaimed  Bock, 
still  more  proudly. 

The  pretended  waiting-woman  made  a  hasty  movement, 
which  might  express  either  gladness  or  dismay.  Evidently, 
this  was  a  familiar  name  to  her.  She  threw  back  her  veil, 
and  looked  the  knight  full  in  the  face. 

Bock,  somewhat  embarrassed,  turned  to  the  other. 

"  Gracious  lady,  thine  attendant  hath  unveiled  herself. 
Wilt  thou  not  also  uncover  thy  face  ?  " 

Eilika  laughed,  and  followed  her  mistress's  example. 

"Likewise  fair!"  exclaimed  Bock.  "I  should  say, 
still  fairer.  Most  gracious  damsels !  I  beg  to  know  thy 
names." 


TBM  ROBBER  COUNT.  49 

14  That  we  will  tell  thy  lord,"  replied  the  supposed  maid, 
with  a  firmness  which  so  astonished  the  knight  that,  for 
some  time,  he  preserved  a  thoughtful  silence. 

Suddenly,  however,  he  drew  up,  and  said  to  the  captive 
soldiers,  — 

44  Dismount,  and  be  off  with  ye !  No  one  will  pay  a 
ransom  for  you.  Ye  are  of  no  service  to  us,  but  your 
horses  we  want." 

"  We  will  bide  with  our  mistress,"  replied  one  of  the 
men. 

" Make  no  resistance,  but  be  content  that  ye  escape 
with  your  skins.     Quick  !     Dismount !  " 

The  soldiers  were  obliged  to  obey,  and  Bock's  followers 
led  the  riderless  beasts  by  the  bridle,  as  well  as  the  two 
pack-horses. 

44  Greet  the  dear  uncle  in  Quedlinburg  for  me,"  Bock 
called,  in  a  jeering  tone,  after  the  crestfallen  men,  who 
were  obliged  to  trudge  homeward  on  foot  as  best  they 
might. 

The  others  journeyed  onward.  Not  far  from  Regen- 
stein  they  met  a  fellow,  who  stood  stock  still  beside  the 
road,  gazing  at  the  procession.  He  evidently  knew  the 
captive  maidens,  for  he  cried  out,  — 

44  A  lucky  catch  for  thee,  Sir  Bock!  What  a  ransom 
thou  wilt  get !  " 

44  The  devil  take  thee,  old  bone-bag !  "  answered  Bock, 
as  he  rode  on,  very  well  satisfied  with  himself. 

In  the  afternoon,  4'The  Wicked  Seven,"  with  their 
prisoners,  passed  over  the  drawbridge,  and  through  the 
gateway  of  castle  Regenstein. 


50  THE  BOBBER  COUNT- 


CHAPTER  VI. 

On  the  self -same  day  the  six  brothers  were  gathered 
together  in  the  castle  of  Regenstein.  Ulrich,  the  third 
canon  of  Hildesheim,  was  visiting  Bernhard,  the  only  mar- 
ried brother.  Poppo,  who  commanded  the  fortress  of 
Crottorf ,  had  come  to  Regenstein  with  Giinther,  while  the 
youngest,  Siegfried,  still  dwelt  with  Albrecht  in  the  castle 
where  he  was  born. 

They  had  talked  much  of  the  events  which  had  recently 
transpired  in  the  Hartz  country,  but  it  was  not  for  that 
they  had  come  together.  What  had  brought  them  here 
was  the  anniversary  of  the  death  of  their  father,  Count 
Ulrich,  who  had  been  an  example  to  them  of  all  knightly 
virtues,  and  they  solemnly  observed  it,  as  they  always 
had  observed  that  of  their  mother's  early  death.  About 
half-way  between  Regenstein  and  Heimburg  stood  the 
retired  monastery  of  Michaelstein,  in  a  lovely  wooded 
glen.  It  was  founded  in  the  twelfth  century  by  Beatrix 
of  Quedlinburg,  and  about  sixty  years  before,  a  Count 
Ulrich  von  Regenstein  had  been  abbot  of  the  monastery, 
where  the  mortal  remains  of  generations  of  this  family 
now  repose. 

There  it  was,  in  the  little  gray  stone  church,  that  the 
worthy  abbot  said  a  solemn  mass  for  the  deceased  count, 
and  there  the  six  brothers,  with  Reginhild,  Bernhard's  wife, 
knelt  before  their  parents'  tombs.  Behind  their  masters 
knelt  also  their  trusty  retainers,  and  in  the  background 
were  the  gray-headed  abbot  and  his  monks,  who  stood  with 
folded  hands  silently  regarding  the  devotions  of  the 
family. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  51 

The  memorial  stones  of  their  parents  were  set  upright 
in  the  wall,  with  that  of  the  youngest  son  Otto,  the  last 
name  in  the  long  ancestral  line.  On  each  stone  was 
carved  a  life-size  effigy,  bordered  by  an  inscription.  Count 
Ulrich  was  represented  in  full  armor  ;  in  the  right  hand  a 
helmet,  with  crest  and  mantling,  and  in  the  left  the  small 
triangular  shield,  and,  like  his  wife,  he  was  represented 
standing  upon  a  hound.  Countess  Bia  was  clothed  in 
long,  flowing  robes,  with  a  band  wound  around  the  head 
and  chin,  and  in  the  folded  hands  she  held  a  wreath  of 
roses. 

The  peaceful  garden  and  graveyard  of  the  monks  lay 
half  in  shadow,  half  in  morning  sunshine,  which  lighted 
up  the  pillars  of  the  cloister,  and  cast  sloping  shadows 
across  its  stone  floor.  From  the  garden  came  the  fra- 
grance of  spring,  and  violets  bloomed  among  the  graves. 
Deep  silence  reigned  everywhere  ;  one  only  heard  now  and 
then  the  low  clink  of  sword  or  spur. 

Finally,  Count  Albrecht  made  a  movement.  He  offered 
the  kneeling  Reginhild  his  hand,  and  they  rose,  the  others 
following  their  example.  They  passed  slowly  through  the 
cloister,  accompanied  by  the  monks,  chanting  as  they 
went,  to  the  monastery  gates,  and  there,  mounting  their 
horses,  the  procession  returned  to  Regenstein. 

At  the  mid-day  meal,  as  the  brothers  sat  around  the 
hospitable  board  of  the  eldest,  they  talked  of  the  departed 
father,  recalling  his  words  and  deeds,  and  swearing  to  fol- 
low in  his  footsteps,  to  maintain  the  power  he  had  left 
them,  and  in  sorrow  and  in  joy  to  stand  by  one  another  till 
death. 

The  little  circle  around  the  table  in  the  paved  hall, 
whose  walls  were  decorated  with  stags'  antlers  and  other 
spoils  of  the  chase,  and  the  armor  and  weapons  of  de- 
ceased ancestors,  presented  an  attractive  picture. 


52  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

There  sat  six  brave  men,  whose  every  movement  be- 
trayed conscious  strength  and  self-reliance,  with  one 
young  and  gracious  woman  in  their  midst.  Bernhard,  the 
second  brother,  stood  faithfully  b}^  Albrecht  in  the  govern- 
ment of  the  earldom,  and  his  wise  counsel  was  of  great 
value  in  restraining  the  vehemence  of  the  elder.  The 
third,  Ulrich,  who  had  not  entered  the  church  of  his  own 
choice,  but  to  gratify  the  wish  of  his  mother,  found  it 
difficult  to  hide  his  chivalrous  bearing  beneath  the  canon's 
robe,  and  to  renounce  the  knightly  exercises  to  which  he 
had  from  childhood  been  accustomed.  The  other  three, 
Poppo,  Giinther,  Siegfried,  were  young  giants,  whose 
faces  already  spoke  of  manly  confidence.  Siegfried,  who 
was  but  twenty,  was  handsome  and  impetuous,  the  favor- 
ite of  all  who  knew  him,  especially  of  all  women.  A 
sunny  atmosphere  seemed  to  surround  him,  and  one  could 
readily  see,  by  looking  at  the  lad,  what  a  warm  and  daunt- 
less heart  beat  within  his  youthful  breast. 

After  the  meal  was  finished,  Poppo  and  Giinther  took 
the  chess-board,  while  Siegfried  seated  himself  in  the  deep 
recess  of  the  window,  talking  merrily  with  Reginhild,  and 
the  three  elder  brothers  remained  at  the  table  engaged  in 
earnest  conversation. 

Ulrich  told  them  that  a  friendly  canon  of  Halberstadt 
had  recently  made  him  a  visit,  and  repeated  some  threat- 
ening expressions  on  the  part  of  the  bishop,  which  indi- 
cated far-reaching  designs  for  checking  the  power  of  the 
Regensteins. 

"I  can  well  believe  it,"  observed  Albrecht;  "  the 
Einersleben  affair  sitteth  ill  on  his  stomach..  Dost  thou 
learn  of  anything  definite?" 

"  Nay ;  I  could  learn  nothing  further  from  my  friend. 
It  appeareth  to  me  that  something  is  on  foot  between  my 
lord  bishop  and  the  town  of  Quedlinburg." 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  53 

"  It  would  not  surprise  me  if  the  two  leagued  together 
against  us,"  said  Albrecht.  "The  bishop  is  striving  in 
every  way  to  increase  his  power,  in  order  to  limit  ours." 

11  Couldst  thou  not  discover  something  from  the  two 
Quedlinburgers  whom  thou  hast  in  the  keep?"  asked 
Bernhard. 

"I  set  them  at  liberty  this  morning,  in  honor  of  the 
day.    But  they  knew  nothing,  I  am  sure." 

**  What  shalt  thou  do,  in  face  of  the  strong  fortification 
which  the  bishop  is  erecting  in  Wegeleben  ?  "  Bernhard 
inquired. 

Albrecht  was  silent. 

"Would  it  not  be  wise  to  strengthen  Harlseben  and 
Ditf urt,  so  as  to  render  Wegeleben  harmless  ?  "  asked  the 
canon. 

"  Nay,"  said  Albrecht,  "  I  know  something  better  than 
that." 

The  brothers  looked  at  him  expectantly,  and  he  con- 
tinued, — 

"We  must  get  possession  of  Lauenburg  !  " 

"  Lauenburg  !  "  repeated  Bernhard,  amazed.  "  Albrecht, 
we  have  hardly  got  our  hands  upon  Gersdorf  !  And  they 
begrudge  us  that,  moreover  !  " 

"  And  —  the  abbess  ?  "  asked  Ulrich. 

"  She  hath  promised  me  not  to  dispose  of  Lauenburg 
without  my  knowledge." 

"  And  if  she  doth  not  keep  her  word?  "  suggested  Bern- 
hard. 

"  Jutta  always  keepeth  her  word,"  said  Albrecht,  posi- 
tively. 

"  He  cannot  help  knowing,  Bernhard,  how  his  beautiful 
friend  regardeth  him,"  laughed  the  canon  "  I  count  upon 
seeing  her  yet  mistress  of  Regenstein." 

"  Urge  me  not,  Ulrich  !    I  am  not  made  for  wooing  and 


51  THE  ROBBER   COUNT. 

wedding,"  said  Albrecht.  "It  is  my  place  to  uphold  and 
extend  our  power  in  the  land ;  Bernhard  hath  already 
taken  care  that  our  house  shall  not  become  extinct,  and 
there  are  three  more  to  hand  down  our  name,"  he  added, 
glanctng  at  his  younger  brothers. 

Ulrich  and  Bernhard  smiled  at  each  other,  but  said 
nothing,  and  Albrecht  went  on  to  explain  the  importance 
of  Lauenburg,  and  the  necessity  of  possessing  it  in  fief. 

Meanwhile,  in  the  window,  Reginhild,  with  a  smiling 
face,  was  listening  to  her  young  brother-in-law's  enthusi- 
astic account  of  a  tournament  in  Ballenstedt,  where  he 
had  been  dubbed  knight  by  Prince  Bernhard,  and  had 
been  crowned  by  a  fair  maiden.  It  was  a  green  wreath 
of  oak  and  ivy  leaves,  wound  with  a  gold-embroidered 
band,  and  made  by  the  same  maidenly  hand  which  placed 
it  on  his  blond  head,  as  he  knelt  down  for  the  purpose. 
Now  it  hung,  sear  and  brown,  in  Siegfried's  bedchamber, 
beside  his  couch,  so  that  his  first  glance  in  the  morning 
might  fall  upon  this  modest  token  of  victor}',  and  in  his 
heart  a  great  longing  had  arisen  to  see  again  the  lovely 
giver. 

"  Dark  brown  hair  and  clear  blue  eyes  !  Reginhild,  thou 
hast  never  seen  any  one  so  wonderfully  beautiful,"  Sieg- 
fried exclaimed,  enthusiastically. 

"  And  hast  thou  never  seen  the  maiden  since?  " 

"  Nay,"  sighed  the  youth,  looking  sadly  at  his  sister-in- 
law. 

"  But  why  hast  thou  not  long  ago  ridden  to  her  father's 
castle  ?  " 

"  Alas  !  I  know  not  her  name,  nor  where  shedwelleth." 

"  Hast  thou  asked  no  one?  " 

44  Nay,  Reginhild ;  but  dost  thou  know  what  I  would 
wish  to  do  ?  " 

"What  is  it,  Siegfried?" 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  55 

"  Mount  my  horse  and  ride  through  the  whole  Hartz 
country,  from  castle  to  castle,  till  I  found  her." 

u  And  what  wouldst  thou  do  then?  " 

"  Then?  Why,  I  would  kneel  before  her  again,  and 
look  into  the  clear  eyes  of  my  lily  once  more." 

"  Thy  lily?" 

11 1  call  her  so,"  said  the  youth,  blushing,  "  because  I 
know  not  her  real  name,  and  because  she  looked  like  a 
lily." 

"  How  old  is  she?  "  asked  Reginhild,  in  order  that  she 
might  learn  some  further  particulars  about  the  fair  un- 
known. 

u  A  year  or  two  younger  than  I,"  answered  Siegfried. 
11 1  can  see  her  now,  —  but  she  hath  long  since  forgotten 
me !  " 

i4  Who  knoweth,  Siegfried?  Who  knoweth?"  laughed 
his  sister.  "  We  must  seek  for  her,  till  we  have  found 
her." 

Then  she  named  the  maidens  of  the  noble  families  in 
the  surrounding  country,  but  in  vain.  None  of  Regin- 
hild's  descriptions  corresponded  with  the  image  which 
Siegfried  carried  in  his  heart.  The  blue  eyes  and  the 
dark  hair  together  gave  them  especial  trouble,  and  Regin- 
hild was  even  obliged  to  confess  that  she  could  not  swear 
to  the  color  of  the  eyes  of  her  best  friend. 

"  Checkmate  !  "  Giinther  suddenly  called  out  so  loudly 
that  the  pair  in  the  window  started,  and  the  elder  brothers 
turned  around  and  gazed  at  the  two  hot-headed  chess- 
players. 

"  Checkmate  !  checkmate  !  "  repeated  the  victor.  "  Now 
thou  must  give  me  the  sparrow-hawk  !  I  can  use  it  at 
Gersdorf." 

u  Thou  shalt  have  it!"  laughed  Poppo,  and  while  he 
spoke,  Bock  von  Schlanstedt  entered  the  hall. 


56  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

"Ha!  Bock,  where  hast  thou  been  hiding?'*  cried 
Count  Albrecht  to  his  vassal. 

"  I  have  been  lying  over  night  at  the  fortress  of  Gers- 
dorf,  Sir  Count,''  answered  the  knight,  "  and  returned 
by  way  of  Quedlinburg,  bringing  with  me  two  captives 
and  six  horses." 

"  Captives  !  "  The  count  shook  his  head.  u  Let  them 
go  !     I  want  no  captives  to-day." 

"  They  are  ladies." 

"  Indeed  !  "  laughed  the  count ;  "  thou  must  be  out  of 
thy  senses,  Bock,  to  bring  gentlewomen  here,  to  be  a  bur- 
den upon  our  hands." 

"  It  is  a  high-born  damsel,  with  her  waiting- woman,  Sir 
Count,"  answered  Bock ;  "  and  Hinze  Habernack  told  me 
that  there  would  be  a  large  ransom  paid  for  her  at  Qued- 
linburg, and  he  ought  to  know." 

"  What  is  the  maiden's  name?" 

"  She  said  she  would  only  tell  thee  that." 

"  It  is  hardly  worth  my  while  to  hear  it,"  returned  the 
count.     "  Bring  her  to  me  !  " 

The  knight  opened  the  door  and  beckoned,  and  the 
maiden  entered.  Without  deigning  to  cast  a  look  upon 
Bock,  she  swept  proudly  by,  while  he  stood  aside  with  a 
long  face. 

She  courtesied  gracefully,  blushing  a  little  at  the  pres- 
ence of  so  many  men,  and  gazed  at  the  only  other  woman 
present,  as  though  invoking  her  aid. 

Siegfried  seized  Reginhild's  hand,  and  held  it  so  tightly 
that  the  pressure  was  painful  to  her.     He  seemed  rooted 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  57 

to  the  spot,  and  stared  at  the  charming  figure  of  the  new- 
comer with  open  eyes.  She  had  the  complexion  of  a  lily, 
and  her  hair  was  dark,  though  her  eyes  were  blue. 

Count  Albrecht  arose,  and  said,  politely,  — 

"  Mistress,  thou  hast  been  captured  without  my  knowl- 
edge or  aut  hority.  Be  not  uneasy  ;  thou  shalt  be  treated 
with  all  respect.     How  shall  we  address  thee  ?  " 

14  Countess  Oda  von  Falkenstein,  sister  of  the  Count 
Hoyer,"  answered  the  maiden,  with  dignity. 

Gestures  and  ejaculations  of  astonishment  followed 
this  announcement,  and  Bock  appeared  visibly  alarmed. 

Count  Albrecht  glanced  at  the  knight  sternly,  and  cried, 

"  The  Countess  of  Falkenstein  my  prisoner  !  It  cannot 
be ! " 

But  at  this  moment  Siegfried  sprang  forward  with  a 
glowing  face,  exclaiming,  — 

"  Albrecht,  I  know  the  gracious  countess  ;  it  was  she 
who  placed  the  crown  upon  my  head  at  Ballenstedt." 

Oda  bowed  to  him  slightly. 

"  Verily?  I  will  make  thee,  then,  her  knight  and  pro- 
tector !  "  answered  Albrecht.  "  Thou  must  be  answerable 
for  her  well-being." 

A  look  of  gratitude  beamed  from  the  eyes  of  the  young- 
est brother. 

"  Be  seated,  noble  Countess,"  continued  Albrecht,  "  and 
pardon  the  mistake  of  my  vassal.  Those  whom  thou 
seest  here  are  my  brothers,  and  this  is  Countess  Regin- 
hild,  my  brother  Bernhard's  wife.  To-morrow,  Siegfried 
shall  safely  conduct  thee  whithersoever  thou  wilt." 

Reginhild  approached  Oda,  and  taking  her  hand,  spoke 
kindly  to  her,  and  offered  her  refreshment.  "We  spoke 
of  thee  but  now,"  Reginhild  said.     "  How  singular  !  " 

14  Of  me!"  repeated  Oda. 

"  Yea,"  interrupted  Siegfried.     "  I  was  recounting  my 


58  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

adventures  at  the  tournament  to  the  Countess  Reginhild, 
but  as  I  did  not  know  thy  name,  I  only  called  thee  '  the 
lily.'" 

"The  lily!"  repeated  the  brothers,  thinking  how  well 
the  epithet  suited  Oda's  appearance. 

"  Art  thou  journeying,  mistress?''  inquired  Albrecht. 

"I  was  on  the  way  to  the  abbess  of  Quedlinburg," 
said  Oda,  gradually  recovering  confidence,  "  when  I  met 
the  knight,  and  —  " 

"  To  the  abbess  ?  "  interrupted  the  count.  "  Then  thou 
art  doubly  under  my  protection,  for  I  am  her  champion,  as 
thou  perchance  knowest." 

"  Who  doth  not  know  it,  Count?  "  asked  Oda,  demurely. 

"  Is  the  abbess  awaiting  thee?" 

"  Yea,  —  I  go  to  remain  with  her." 

' '  To  remain  !     Wouldst  thou  take  the  veil  ?  " 

"  My  brother  bade  me  choose  between  the  convent  of 
Walbeck  and  that  of  Quedlinburg." 

"  Thy  brother  hath  given  thee  only  this  choice,"  replied 
Albrecht,  astonished.  "Count  Hoyer  is  childless,  and 
thou  art  the  heiress  of  the  earldom  of  Falkenstein." 

'•I  am  the  heiress,"  said  Oda,  "but  —  thou  mayst 
as  well  know  it,  Count,  for  it  cannot  be  kept  secret  much 
longer.  My  brother  is  about  to  make  over  the  earldom  to 
the  bishop  of  Halberstadt." 

"  What  sayest  thou?  To  the  bishop?  Bernhard  !  dost 
thou  hear  that?"  cried  the  count,  beside  himself  with 
amazement  and  indignation.  He  had  risen  from  his  seat, 
and  was  striding  backward  and  forward. 

"  Hast  thou  relinquished  it  of  thine  own  free  will?  "  he 
asked. 

Oda  shook  her  head,  and  sighed. 

"  Countess  Oda,"  resumed  Albrecht,  after  a  short  pause, 
"  I  will  not  release  thee,  after  all !     But  I,  Albrecht  von 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  59 

Regensteio,  and  all  my  brothers  who  stand  here,  will  hold 
thee  to  thy  rights.  The  bishop  have  the  earldom  of  Falk- 
enstein  !     Never,  so  long  as  I  can  wield  a  sword  !  " 

All  the  brothers  echoed  his  sentiments,  loudly  and  res- 
olutely. 

"  Now  I  thank  thee  for  thy  capture,  Bock,"  the  count 
went  on.  "  Say  to  Ursula  that  she  must  prepare  the 
chamber  of  our  blessed  mother  for  the  Countess  Oda." 

"  Hold  !  That  is  my  affair  !  "  cried  Siegfried,  joyfully, 
and  hastened  away  to  give  his  brother's  orders. 

So  Countess  Oda  remained  at  Regenstein.  Reginhild 
wished  to  take  the  young  countess  with  her  to  Heimburg, 
instead  of  leaving  her  under  the  same  roof  with  her  un- 
married brothers-in-law.  But  Albrecht  declared  that  this 
unexpected  turn  of  affairs  might  be  of  great  consequence 
to  him  in  his  struggle  with  the  bishop.  The  latter  would 
doubtless  use  every  means  to  get  Oda  into  his  power,  in 
order  to  force  her  to  give  up  her  inheritance.  She  would 
be  much  safer  within  impregnable  Regenstein  than  in  the 
less  strongly  fortified  Heimburg,  and  with  her  in  his  keep- 
ing he  had  some  reason  for  disputing  the  earldom  with  the 
covetous  bishop.  And  that  would  he  do,  come  what 
might.  The  conflict  with  the  prelate  was  unavoidable, 
and  the  sooner  it  came,  the  better. 

Reginhild  and  her  husband  altogether  agreed  with  him 
in  this  view  of  the  matter,  and  the  former,  on  Siegfried's 
account,  also  desisted  from  further  remonstrance. 

Count  Albrecht  allowed  some  days  to  elapse,  until  he 
thought  his  captive  had  become  quite  at  her  ease,  before 
he  sought  a  conversation  with  her,  during  which  he  learnt 
the  following  facts;  that  is,  such  of  them  as  were  not 
already  known  to  him. 

Oda's  eldest  brother  had  died  childless,  and  thereupon 
the  second  Count  Hoyer,  who  was  then  a  canon  in  Hal- 


60  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

berstadt,  took  the  earldom,  and  married,  but  had  no  chil- 
dren. The  superstitious  devotee  and  still  more  his  wife, 
Margaret,  an  austere,  melancholy  woman,  considered  their 
failure  of  is^ue  as  a  chastisement  from  Heaven,  to  which 
they  must  bow ;  and  Oda  seemed  almost  to  think  that 
some  secret  crime  weighed  upon  her  brother's  conscience, 
urging  him  to  the  cession  of  his  estates  to  the  church. 

He  had  therefore  resolved,  for  his  soul's  salvation,  to  re- 
linquish his  earldom  to  the  church.  He  had  thereupon 
offered  it  to  the  bishop,  in  consideration  of  an  annuity 
and  preferment  in  Halberstadt,  and  the  latter  had  pressed 
him  to  make  an  immediate  conveyance  of  it.  This  Count 
Hoyer  refused,  agreeing  that  the  transfer  should  be  made, 
however,  upon.. his  wife's  death. 

Nevertheless,  Oda  was  not  disposed  to  reproach  her 
brother.  He  had  always  treated  her  kindly,  and  was 
unable  to  conceal  his  disinclination  to  disinherit  her.  But 
with  his  wife  it  was  different.  Margaret's  cold  nature 
continually  repelled  the  young  girl,  who  felt  herself  sim- 
ply in  the  way  of  the  loveless  woman. 

For  this  reason,  Oda  had  not  shed  many  tears  at  her 
departure  from  her  father's  castle,  the  lordly  fortress  of 
Falkenstein,  which  overlooked  the  green  woods  and  mead- 
ows of  the  Selke  valley,  although  she  knew  what  she  was 
leaving,  and  that  she  was  leaving  it  forever.  As  a  per- 
manent abode  she  had  chosen  the  free  convent  of  Qued- 
linburg  rather  than  that  of  Walbeck,  so  that  she  should 
not  be  forced  to  renounce  the  world  absolutely. 

It  was  in  Count  Albrecht's  room,  in  the  upper  part  of 
the  castle,  that  this  interview  with  Oda  took  place.  The 
windows  were  glazed  and  it  had  a  huge  chimney,  but  was 
meagrely  furnished.  Albrecht  sat  in  a  large  oaken  arm- 
chair with  a  straight  back,  and  opposite  to  him  sat  the 
Countess  Oda.     He  had  placed  a  shaggy  bear-skin  under 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  61 

her  feet,  the  only  covering  of  the  stone  floor.  The 
lime-washed  walls  were  bare  and  unadorned ;  a  rudely 
painted  crucifix,  with  a  withered  branch  stuck  behind  it, 
hung  over  the  great  oaken  table,  upon  which  stood  an 
earthen-ware  inkstand  and  a  water- jug  and  drinking-cup. 
Besides  these,  a  reed  pen,  some  parchment,  a  pair  of  spurs, 
and  a  hunting-horn  lay  on  the  table,  also  a  Saxon  law 
book,  which  Count  von  Regenstein,  as  administrator  of 
the  law,  must  possess.  An  old  shrine,  a'  carved  chest, 
and  two  wooden  benches,  upon  which  lay  all  sorts  of 
hunting  gear  and  weapons,  completed  the  furniture.  In 
the  corner  stood  a  long  sword. 

From  the  windows  the  count  could  look  far  and  wide 
over  the  country,  and  could  see  the  abbess's  castle,  toward 
which  he  often  glanced,  as  if  he  felt  bound,  as  Jutta's 
champion,  to  guard  her  with  a  watchful  eye.  Then  her 
image  would  come  before  him  in  its  seductive  beauty,  and 
drive  away  the  recollection  of  her  wilful  caprices,  which 
had  so  often  vexed  him. 

It  now  occurred  to  him,  as  he  talked  with  Oda,  how 
strange  it  was  that  this  young  creature  should  be  sitting 
opposite  to  him  in  his  lonely  castle,  confiding  to  him  her 
simple  story,  which  aroused  all  his  indignation  anew.  He 
promised  the  young  countess  to  visit  her  brother  immedi- 
ately, and  endeavor,  if  possible,  to  make  him  alter  his 
purpose,  though  Oda  shook  her  head  hopelessly  at  the 
suggestion. 

She  had  resigned  herself  to  seek  a  new  home  at  the 
castle  of  Quedlinburg,  with  its  youthful  abbess,  and  to 
forget  her  lost  inheritance,  and  now  suddenly  all  was 
changed.  She  had  been  carried  to  Regenstein  as  a  cap- 
tive of  the  all-powerful  count,  who  nevertheless  treated 
her  with  the  tenderest  consideration,  and  was  even  about 
to  take  steps  for  the  recovery  of  her  patrimony.     It  had 


62  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

all  seemed  like  a  dream,  and  she  had  not  been  able  to  rid 
herself  of  a  vague  fear.  But  now,  when  she  looked  into 
Albrecht's  honest  eyes,  and  listened  to  his  earnest  voice, 
she  felt  a  growing  confidence  in  the  man  whom  she  had 
been  wont  to  regard  only  with  timorous  admiration. 

For  she  had  met  him  two  years  before,  at  a  great  hunt 
at  Falkenstein,  when  his  noble  figure  and  stately  bearing 
made  an  indelible  impression  upon  her.  She  had  not  seen 
him  again  until  the  occasion  of  the  tournament  at  Ballen- 
stedt,  but  she  heard  of  him  constantly,  for  his  name  was 
in  every  mouth.  Some  spoke  of  him  with  envy,  some 
with  fear,  but  all  united  in  praise  of  his  courage.  He  had 
been  the  hero  of  the  tournament,  the  cynosure  of  a  thou- 
sand eyes.  Among  this  multitude,  he,  naturally,  had  not 
noticed  Oda  any  more  than  at  the  hunt  at  Falkenstein, 
and  for  that  reason  he  had  not  recognized  the  young 
countess  when  she  was  brought  to  him  as  his  prisoner. 
And  why  should  he?  He,  the  great  Count  von  Regen- 
stein,  and  she,  a  maiden  who  had  grown  up  in  modest 
retirement,  for  whom  no  knight  had  ever  broken  lance  ! 

And  now  she  was  his  captive,  perhaps  for  many  a  day, 
and  she  could  not  in  her  heart  wish  it  otherwise.  This 
was  not  an  accident,  nor  was  she  the  sport  of  destiny  ;  it 
was  the  decree  of  fate,  in  which  she  silently  acquiesced, 
tranquilly  awaiting  what  the  future  held  in  store  for  her. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  63 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

The  appearance  of  Count  Albrecht's  room  was  very 
different  indeed  from  that  of  his  young  guest.  And  this 
was  owing  to  his  brother  Siegfried.  Everything  that  the 
latter  could  find  of  furniture  or  decoration,  in  the  unused 
rooms  of  the  rambling  castle,  he  had  carried  to  Oda's 
chamber,  with  old  Ursula's  assistance,  and  in  some  cases 
in  spite  of  her  protestations.  Thus  the  chamber  grad- 
ually assumed  a  habitable  appearance,  though  fitted  up 
somewhat  heterogeneous^. 

Carpets  lay  upon  the  floor,  and  faded  tapestries  were 
suspended  from  the  walls.  On  a  press,  between  two 
earthen  vessels,  stood  a  stuffed  wood  grouse  and  a  carved 
image  of  the  Virgin.  Siegfried  had  procured  some  chairs 
covered  with  stamped  leather,  and  embroidered  foot- 
stools ;  he  had  hung  upon  the  chimney  a  beautifully  made 
suit  of  woman's  armor,  and  stuck  peacock's  feathers  all 
about  the  polished  metal  mirror  which  had  been  his  moth- 
er's. Upon  the  table  he  placed  a  lute  and  an  old  yellow 
copy  of  M  Reinhart  Fuchs,"  by  Heinrich  dem  Gliche- 
siire. 

Oda  smiled  and  Eilika  laughed,  when  they  saw  these 
preparations  for  alleviating  their  imprisonment.  They 
knew  also  whom  they  had  to  thank,  for  had  they  not  seen 
Siegfried  going  hither  and  thither,  his  arms  full  of  a 
strange  medley  of  things,  some  of  which,  fortunately, 
there  was  no  place  for?  But  Oda  was  touched  by  his 
friendly  zeal,  and  determined  to  thank  the  young  knight. 

One  day  Albrecht  was  obliged  to  ride  over  to  his  fort- 
ress of  Botfeld,  at  Elbingerode,  and  Oda  remained  with 


64  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

Siegfried.  He  asked  her  if  she  would  not  like  to  see  the 
castle,  as  he  would  gladly  show  it  to  her.  She  accepted 
his  proposal,  and  they  proceeded  to  ascend  the  highest 
ledge  of  rocks,  whence  the  whole  fortress  was  seen  to 
advantage. 

The  broad  ridge  of  the  hill,  which  was  an  enormous 
mass  of  rocks  partly  covered  with  trees,  and  falling  off 
precipitously  to  the  north  and  west,  was  like  a  gigantic 
stairway,  every  step  of  which  had  its  own  fortification, 
which,  with  the  buildings  attached  to  it,  were  partly  con- 
structed and  partly  hollowed  out  of  the  native  stone.  The 
most  important  part  of  the  castle  was  hewn  from  the  solid 
rock,  and  contained  large  halls  and  chambers,  with  walls 
of  great  thickness,  and  arched  doors  and  windows. 

The  whole  mass  of  buildings,  with  its  ponderous  con- 
struction, its  towers,  houses,  gardens,  and  court-yards, 
appearing  to  Oda  helplessly  intricate,  and  therefore  even 
greater  and  more  fantastic  than  in  reality  it  was,  was  sur- 
rounded by  impregnable  walls,  to  make  the  circuit  of 
which  required  no  little  time. 

Properly  speaking,  Regenstein  was  not  so  much  a  fort- 
ress as  a  collection  of  fortresses,  which,  in  its  size  and 
strength,  and  the  beauty  and  security  of  its  position,  was 
well-nigh  unequalled. 

Siegfried  led  Oda  to  the  highest  point  of  the  dizzy 
precipice,  holding  her  fast  by  the  hand.  "  See,  Countess 
Oda  ;  the  cliff  is  eight  hundred  feet  high  on  this  side,"  said 
he,  ''*  and  if  a  man  passeth  by  below,  he  looketh  no  larger 
than  a  rook.  Within  these  walls  we  are  safe  from  all 
assaults  ;  nothing  comes  here  that  cannot  fly." 

Oda  grasped  Siegfried's  hand  more  tightly,  and  looked 
down  the  sheer  descent  from  the  outermost  wall. 

"  Now  turn  thy  head,"  he  continued.  "  Only  there, 
toward  Blankenburg,  is  it  possible  to  scale  the  hill ;  but  on 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  65 

that  side  also  the  crags  defend  us,  as  well  as  solid  walls, 
and  the  only  passage  hath  double  gates,  beyond  which  is 
the  drawbridge  crossing  the  moat.  That  is  the  way  thou 
earnest  hither.  Hast  thou  ever  seen  a  stronghold  like  this 
one?" 

"Never!"  exclaimed  Oda,  marvelling  greatly  at  what 
she  beheld. 

"  Dost  thou  not  feel  here  secure  and  well  guarded?  " 

"  Truly,"  laughed  she,  "  there  is  no  chance  to  run 
away." 

"  Now,  there,"  continued  Siegfried,  "  against  the 
rock,  is  what  we  call  the  upper  castle,  where  we  dwell 
with  our  guests  ;  and  those  two  windows,  where  the  cur- 
tains are  fluttering,  are  thine.  There  are  the  great  hall, 
the  armory,  and  stables.  On  the  right,  lower  down,  near 
the  orchard,  the  soldiers  and  serving-men  dwell,  and  hard 
by  are  the  barns  and  storehouses.  Yonder,  on  that  naked 
crag,  are  small  dwellings  formed  almost  entirely  of  the 
solid  rock.  One  of  them  is  occupied  by  our  trustiest 
follower,  the  Knight  Bock  von  Schlanstedt,  to  whom  we 
owe  infinite  thanks,  Countess  Oda.  He  hath  chosen  the 
cavern  him-elf,  and  furnished  it  to  suit  his  fancy.  Rusty 
weapons,  strange  articles  of  plunder,  and  tender  love- 
tokens  are  there  preserved,  as  priceless  treasures,  and  he 
hath  some  wonderful  story  to  tell  about  each." 

11  Can  one  see  them?"  asked  Oda. 

"  Thou  wouldst  make  him  proud,  if  thou  shouldst  visit 
him  in  his  hermitage.  But  come  now,  Countess  Oda,  I 
will  show  thee  the  best  of  all." 

"  Let  us  linger  here  for  a  little,"  she  pleaded,  "  and 
enjoy  this  scene." 

The  view  from  this  point  was  certainly  wonderful. 
They  could  see  towns  and  villages,  castles  and  citadels, 
the  peaks  of  the   nearer  hills,  and  the  distant  mountain 


66  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

chain,  and  she  could  not  feast  her  eves  enough  upon  the 
magnificent  picture. 

"  And  how  grand  Regenstein  itself  looketh  from  all  the 
points  which  we  now  see,"  Siegfried  said,  with  pride. 
"  From  Ballenstedt,  Quedlinburg  Castle,  Lauenburg,  and 
from  the  Hartz  hills  yonder,  its  rocky  mass  standeth  out 
alone,  seeming  to  guard  and  govern  the  surrounding 
country." 

Oda  listened  with  interest,  and  it  evidently  gave  the 
young  knight  much  pleasure  to  point  out  and  explain 
everything  to  her. 

4 '  What  dost  thou  call  this  nearest  hill,  between  us  and 
Halberstadt  ?  "  asked  she. 

"  That  is  the  Hoppelberg,"  answered  Siegfried.  "  Dost 
thou  see  the  towers  over  there  ?  " 

Oda  nodded. 

"  That  is  the  bishop's  fortress  of  Langenstein ;  no 
friendly  neighbor  of  ours.  The  peak  to  the  right  is  called 
the  Helmet  Rock.     A  good  name  for  it,  is  it  not?  " 

Oda  nodded  again,  lost  in  admiration  of  the  scene. 

"And  that  is  Heimburg,  where  tlry  brother  Bernhard 
dwelleth?"  she  asked,  presently.  "  Thou  couldst  almost 
beckon  to  him  from  here.', 

"  In  sooth  we  often  do,"  answered  Siegfried.  "  We 
greet  each  other  with  banners  and  pennons,  and  make 
preconcerted  signals,  which  we  readily  understand." 

"  And  directly  behind  is  the  Brocken.  How  imposing 
its  great  dome  is!  Oh!  Count  Siegfried,  I  had  never 
imagined  that  the  outlook  from  Regenstein  was  so  beauti- 
ful !  " 

Siegfried's  face  beamed,  and  as  they  stood  side  by  side 
for  a  while  in  silent  enjoyment,  a  fresh  breeze  blew  from 
the  hill- tops,  and  played  with  his  thick  blond  locks. 
White  clouds  sailed  overhead,   and   threw   their   swiftly 


THE  BOBBER  COUNT.  67 

moving  shadows  upon  the  fields  far  below,  and  the  tender 
green  of  the  oaks  and  birches.  From  the  forest  came  the 
note  of  the  jay,  and  in  the  quiet  valley  beneath  sounded 
the  bells  of  the  Michaelstein  monastery.  Within  the 
walls  they  could  look  down  upon  the  serving-men  and 
maids  engaged  in  all  sorts  of  work.  It  was  a  scene  of 
busy  activity,  and  gave  an  air  of  domesticity  to  the  inte- 
rior of  this  vast  establishment,  where  nothing  was  intended 
to  gratify  the  sense  of  beauty,  but  all  was  built  for  strength 
and  durability. 

"  What  is  that  sound  of  hammering  that  seemeth  to 
come  from  within  the  rock?"  asked  Oda,  listening. 

"  Follow  me,  Countess  Oda,  and  I  will  show  thee," 
said  Siegfried. 

They  went  up  and  down  steps,  and  finally  came  to  sev- 
eral rows  of  curious  rock  chambers,  resembling  a  gigantic 
dove  cote.  They  all  had  large  openings  for  light  and  air, 
a  low  parapet  in  front,  and  seats  hewn  out  of  the  stone, 
and  sleeping-places  and  horses'  cribs,  many  being  con- 
nected by  narrow  passages.  Perhaps  these  caverns  dated 
back  to  the  first  settlement  on  the  Regenstein,  —  "the 
rock  of  the  Regino,"  that  is,  of  the  ruler  or  chief,  —  and 
had  been  inhabited  by  a  wild  race  that  far  surpassed  their 
descendants  in  strength  and  daring.  Now,  they  served 
partly  as  prisons,  partly  as  storehouses,  and  in  time  of 
war  as  places  of  shelter  from  foes  encamped  below.  Out 
of  one  of  these  proceeded  the  sound  of  hammering,  for  it 
was  used  as  a  smithy,  and  the  smiths  were  hard  at  work, 
while  a  fire  burned  on  the  hearth,  under  a  chimney  cut  in 
the  rock. 

Oda  was  astonished  at  these  concealed  chambers,  form- 
ing in  themselves  a  fortress  much  more  enduring  than  that 
which  had  been  built  artificially.  The  latter  might  some 
day  disappear  as  it  had  appeared,  through  the  agency  of 


68  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

human  hands,  but  the  other  must  endure  as  long  as  the 
world  itself. 

Siegfried  and  Oda  seated  themselves  upon  a  window- 
ledge  in  one  of  these  cool  grottos  commanding  a  view  of 
the  forest  beneath,  in  which  here  and  there  could  be  seen 
open  glades  and  glimpses  of  winding  roads. 

"  Is  it  not  a  strange  decree  of  fate,  Countess  Oda," 
began  Siegfried,  "  that  has  brought  thee  here  as  the  cap- 
tive of  one  who  once  knelt  at  thy  feet?" 

"  Thou  art  right,"  she  answered.  "  I  little  foresaw  it, 
when  I  placed  the  green  wreath  upon  thy  head." 

11  And  I  never  knew  thy  name,  but  thine  image  was  im- 
printed upon  my  memory.  I  should  have  known  thee 
amongst  a  thousand,  and  often  I  would  have  ridden 
through  the  land  seeking  thee,  had  I  followed  my  own 
heart." 

"It  made  me  happy,  also,"  replied  she. 

11  Truly?  "  he  exclaimed,  with  a  radiant  face. 

"Yea,"  she  said,  simply ;  "  we  maidens  who  sat  to- 
gether envied  the  princess  who  bestowed  upon  thy  noble 
brother  Albrecht  the  first  prize.  Then  the  herald  came, 
and  allowed  us  to  cast  lots  to  decide  who  should  give  the 
wreath  to  the  victorious  esquire,  '  likewise  a  Regenstein,' 
said  he.  The  lot  fell  upon  me,  and  I  was  very  proud  of 
it." 

"  I  have  it  still,  Countess  Oda." 

"One  should  always  preserve  a  tournament  prize,"  she 
answered.  "  How  many  thy  brother  Albrecht  must 
have!" 

"  Albrecht !  truly  he  hath  !  But  where  canst  thou  find 
one  who  is  able  to  ride  or  tilt  like  my  brother  !  He  is  fit 
to  sit  at  King  Arthur's  round-table  !  " 

"  I  believe  it,  I  believe  it,"  said  Oda,  quickly.  "  Tell 
me  about  him,  Count  Siegfried ;   I  know  so  little  of  all 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  69 

he  hath  done,  but  what  I  do  know  is  to  his  honor  and 
glory." 

"  Ob  !  how  rejoiced  I  am  that  thou  lovest  my  brother ! 
And,  by  all  the  saints,  he  deserveth  it,  Countess  Oda  !  " 

The  girl  was  startled  by  his  words,  and  her  face  became 
suffused  with  blushes.     She  looked  down  in  silence. 

"  He  is  our  shield  and  head,"  continued  Siegfried,  en- 
thusiastically. "  What  were  this  stronghold  without  him? 
A  desert  rock  !  The  horse  that  he  rideth,  the  sword  in  his 
hand,  seem  to  gain  something  of  his  spirit,  and  become  a 
part  of  him  !  " 

Oda  looked  at  the  speaker  with  glowing  eyes. 

M  I  think  of  all  thy  brothers  thou  bearest  most  resem- 
blance to  him." 

"  Dost  thou  indeed  think  so?"  laughed  he  ;  and  now  it 
was  his  turn  to  redden.  ••  Perchance  in  the  face,  but  I 
shall  never  be  such  a  man  as  he,"  he  added,  modestly. 

"There  I  differ  from  thee,  Count  Siegfried,"  she  replied, 
in  a  friendly  tone.  "  Thou  wilt  win  many  another  prize 
yet." 

u  If  I  could  only  receive  them  from  thy  hand !  " 

"  When  thou  deservest  one,  and  I  have  one  to  give, 
be  sure  that  I  will  give  it  to  thee  !  "  she  answered,  smiling. 

A  red  butterfly  now  flew  in  through  the  window  open- 
ing, and  fluttered  about  Oda's  head. 

M  See  !  "  said  she,  u  a  winged  herald  of  the  spring  hath 
scaled  your  castle  ;  against  such  ye  are  defenceless." 

"  It  hath  discovered  the  most  beautiful  flower  that  the 
spring  hnth  brought  us,"  he  answered. 

"Thou  art  a  flatterer,  Count  Siegfried,"  laughed  she, 
rising.  "Such  words  ill  suit  these  gray  walls,  and  still 
less  the  ear  of  a  poor  captive." 

"Which  of  us  is  the  captive?"  he  asked,  without 
moving.  But  she  had  walked  on  a  few  steps,  and  made 
no  answer. 


70  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

"  Stay !  "  he  cried,  and  sprang  up.  "  Let  me  go  be- 
fore thee  ;  the  descent  is  steep  and  difficult." 

She  allowed  him  to  precede  her,  and  followed  him  down 
the  steps,  with  her  hand  resting  on  his  shoulder.  With 
delight  he  felt  the  soft  pressure.  At  the  foot  they  came 
to  the  dark  opening  of  a  shaft,  which  seemed  to  lead  into 
the  heart  of  the  rock.  As  Oda  noticed  the  subterranean 
passage,  Siegfried  observed,  — 

"It  is  almost  filled  up,  and  we  never  use  it.  It  is 
called  the  Knights-templars'  dungeon,  and —  I  cannot  tell 
thee  why." 

He  knew  well,  but  he  did  not  wish  to  tell  her,  and  she 
asked  no  questions. 

"  Now  I  will  show  thee  my  birds,"  said  he  ;  "  and  thou 
shalt  see  the  side  of  Regenstein  which  is  least  invincible, 
that  thou  mayst  know  how  safe  thou  art  here  in  case  they 
should,  perchance,  try  to  take  thee  away  from  us  by 
force." 

"I  promise  thee  not  to  go  if  I  can  help  it,"  she  an- 
swered, with  a  playful  glance. 

He  led  her  over  green  turf  and  through  shrubbery,  and 
her  astonishment  increased  as  she  saw  the  vast  extent  of 
the  fortress,  and  beheld  the  moss  and  ivy  covered  rocks, 
walls,  and  towers  which  made  the  approach,  even  on  the 
weakest  side,  so  difficult. 

"  This  is  my  falconry,"  said  he,  when  they  finally  came 
to  the  bird-house,  with  a  space  in  front  of  it  enclosed  by 
a  wire  netting,  where  the  birds  were  ;  "  would  it  give  thee 
pleasure  to  go  out  hawking  with  me  ?  " 

11  Great  pleasure,  Count  Siegfried  !  " 

"  Good  !  we  will  go  immediately  !  " 

A  cheerful  blast  of  the  warder's  horn  now  sounded. 

"  Albrecht  hath  returned!"  cried  Siegfried.  "Shall 
we  go  to  meet  him  ?  " 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  71 

Oda  nodded  assent,  and  they  hastened  to  the  gate, 
where  they  arrived  just  as  Count  Albrecht,  on  horseback, 
emerged  from  the  dark  archway.  He  dismounted,  patted 
his  horse,  and  said,  "  Go,  Brauner ;  thou  knowest  thy 
way  !  "  and  the  beast  went  quietly  to  the  stables. 

Albrecht  looked  at  the  two  blooming  young  faces  before 
him  with  evident  pleasure. 

41  What  are  ye  doing  here?  "  he  asked. 

"  I  have  been  showing  our  captive  her  prison,"  replied 
Siegfried,  reddening. 

41  Art  thou  contented  with  thy  jailer,  Countess  Oda?" 
laughed  Albrecht. 

"Thou  couldst  not  have  given  me  a  kinder  one,  Sir 
Count,"  she  answered,  with  a  friendly  glance  at  Siegfried, 
which  he  returned. 

Albrecht  saw  it,  and  smiled  to  himself,  as  they  followed 
him  to  the  upper  castle. 

A  happy  thought  flashed  across  his  mind :  Siegfried  and 
Oda  !  Both  united  for  life,  and  the  earldom  of  Falkenstein 
added  to  the  Regenstein  territory  !  And  before  he  went 
to  sleep  that  night,  the  thought  had  ripened  into  a  settled 
purpose. 


72  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

At  Regenstein  there  was  now  a  constant  going  and  com- 
ing of  mounted  messengers.  Count  Albrecht  wrote  to  the 
bishop  in  the  most  forcible  terms,  stating  that  under  no 
circumstances  would. he  suffer  the  annexation  of  Falken- 
stein  to  the  Episcopal  See,  and  if  necessary  he  would  have 
recourse  to  arms,  to  secure  to  the  rightful  heiress,  now 
under  his  protection,  her  inheritance.  He  wrote  also  to 
the  counts  of  Mansfeld,  Hohnstein,  and  Stolberg,  request- 
ing them  to  withstand  the  grasping  encroachments  of  the 
bishop.  As  to  the  counts  of  Blankenburg  and  Wernige- 
rode,  he  feared,  on  account  of  their  jealousy  toward  the 
Regensteins  that  their  help  could  not  be  counted  upon. 
But  the  friendly  nobles  of  the  Hartz  country  declared 
themselves  altogether  of  Albrecht's  mind,  assured  him  of 
their  assistance  in  case  of  war,  and  promised  to  advance, 
with  all  their  men-at-arms,  so  soon  as  they  should  receive 
a  summons. 

Albrecht's  brother,  Bcrnhard,  himself  rode  to  Falken- 
stein,  to  remonstrate  with  Count  Hoyer. 

Oda's  capture  was  quickly  known  everywhere,  and 
Albrecht's  foes,  especially  the  townsfolk,  raised  a  great 
hue  and  cry.  Exaggerated  versions  of  the  affair  were 
spread  throughout  the  town.  How  she  had  been  decoyed, 
of  course,  by  "  The  Wicked  Seven,"  and  overpowered,  with 
her  armed  followers,  just  outside  the  walls  of  Quedlinburg, 
which  now  must  suffer  for  the  misdoing  committed  within 
her  borders,  for  the  Falkensteins  would  doubtless  declare 
war  against  their  feudal  protector  —  a  fine  protector,  this 
robber  count ! 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  73 

Count  Hoyer,  to  whom  the  two  so$iers  had  related  the 
news  of  Oda's  capture,  had  regarded  it  merely  ns  the  blun- 
der of  a  retainer,  which  Count  Albrecht  would  immediately 
rectify  and  suitably  apologize  for.  He  took  it  for  granted 
thnt  Bernhard  had  come  for  that  purpose.  But  when  he 
discovered  his  error  and  that  his  sister  was  still  in  durance, 
it  seemed  as  though  he  would  throw  his  visitor  into  prison 
in  return.  Bernhard  thereupon  related  how  Oda,  whom 
only  a  fortunate  accident  had  thrown  into  their  hands,  was 
entertained  at  Regenstein,  and  that  she  was  allowed  the 
greatest  possible  freedom,  being  detained  simply  to  protect 
her  from  the  bishop  ;  thereupon  he  become  calmer,  and  de- 
clared that  he  was  in  no  haste  to  relinquish  the  earldom,  and 
had  no  intention  of  yielding  to  the  bishop's  importunities. 

It  was  impossible  to  obtain  any  further  information  from 
him,  least  of  all  to  persuade  him  to  make  a  binding  prom- 
ise that  he  would  give  up  his  design.  He  urged  against  it 
his  plighted  word  to  the  bishop,  and  his-own  and  his  wife's 
earnest  desire  to  give  the  land  to  the  churchy  adding  that 
he  would  not  permit  himself  to  be  influenced  by  any  con- 
sideration for  his  sister.  At  the  same  time  he  demanded 
her  immediate  release.  This  Count  Bernhard  promptly 
refused,  and  resolutely  asserted  that  the  Rcgensteins  would 
never  suffer  the  cession  of  Falkenstein  to  the  bishop.  So 
they  parted,  mutually  exasperated,  and  Bernhard  returned 
home,  having  accomplished  nothing. 

The  answer  of  the  bishop  was  all  the  more  eagerly 
expected  ;  but  when  it  came,  it  contained  not  one  word  of 
reference  to  the  earldom.  Instead,  the  bishop  accused  the 
count  of  forcible  abduction,  and  threatened  him  with 
excommunication  if  he  did  not  at  once  set  free  Countess 
Oda  von  Falkenstein. 

Albrecht  laughed  aloud.  This  was  an  unlooked-for 
move  on  the  part  of  the  bishop. 


74  THE  ROBBER   COUNT. 

"Tis  a  pity,  Master  Rudolf,"  said  he  to  the  bishop's 
emissary,  "  that  I  cannot  show  thee  the  maiden  in  her  dun- 
geon, but  she  hath  ridden  out  hawking  with  my  brother 
Siegfried." 

"The  reverend  bishop,  my  gracious  master,  requireth 
thy  knightly  word,  Sir  Count,  that  thou  wilt  release  the 
Countess  Oda,  without  delay." 

"  Requireth  !  Who  hath  a  right  to  require  anything  of 
me?"  retorted  the  count.  "  Am  I  the  bishop's  vassal,  as 
thou  art?  Mayhap  I  ought  to  deliver  the  maiden  over  to 
thee,  that  thou  mayst  convey  her  to  the  bishop,  to  be  shut 
up  in  some  Ursuline  convent.  That  would  suit  him  best 
of  all." 

"  She  would  surely  be  safer  so,"  answered  Dorstadt. 
"Tell  me,  Sir  Count,  for  what  object  thou  detainest  the 
maiden  ?  " 

u  That  question  no  priest's  hireling  has  a  right  to  ask," 
cried  Albrecht,  angrily. 

"  Sir  Count,  I  am  the  bishop's  envoy,"  retorted  Dorstadt, 
nearly  bursting  with  rage. 

"  And  if  thou  wert  the  devil's  envoy  —  !  But  why  do 
I  bandy  words  with  thee?"  said  the  count,  scornfully. 
"  Ah  !  there  they  come  ! " 

The  count  stood  in  the  upper  court-yard  with  the 
bishop's  messenger  as  Siegfried  and  Oda  came  riding  up, 
followed  by  the  falconer,  bearing  a  hooded  falcon  on  his 
wrist,  while  a  dead  bird  hung  from  the  saddle.  As  she 
dismounted  and  came  toward  him,  the  count  said,  — 

"I  beg  thee,  Countess  Oda,  to  say  to  Master  Rudolf 
von  Dorstadt  whether  thou  art  detained  here  as  my  pris-, 
oner,  or  remainest  willingly  as  my  guest." 

Oda  looked  wonderingly  first  at  the  count  and  then  at 
the  knight,  and  finally  said,  '■  I  am  greatly  indebted  to 
Count  Albrecht  for  his  friendly  hospitality." 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  75 

"  Note  that  down,  Sir  Knight,  if  thou  canst  write," 
remarked  the  count,  scoffingly. 

But  Dorstadt  spoke  in  a  resolute  tone  to  Oda,  "  The 
worthy  bishop  of  Halberstadt  commandeth  thy  departure 
from  Regenstein,  or  Count  Albrecht  receiveth  the  ban  of 
the  church." 

"The  ban!"  cried  Oda,  in  dismay,  "  on  my  account. 
Then  I  must  go  ;  let  me  go,  Sir  Count !  To-morrow  morn- 
ing early  ;   nay,  to-day  ;   I  might  go  to-day." 

u  Nay,  nay  !  "  exclaimed  Siegfried. 

Albert  beckoned  to  him  to  be  silent.  "Now,  I  insist 
upon  thy  remaining,  Countess  Oda,"  said  he,  sternly. 

"  And  now  I  see  why  he  wisheth  it,"  added  Dorstadt, 
in  a  mocking  tone. 

Count  Albrecht  was  about  to  put  his  hand  on  his  dag- 
ger, but  restraining  himself,  he  cried  out,  "Insolent 
fellow,  if  I  do  not  speedily  see  thy  horse's  tail,  thou  shalt 
not  pass  over  the  drawbridge  alive  ! " 

The  knight  turned  and  sprang  into  the  saddle.  "I  can 
well  believe  it  of  thee  !  "  he  muttered,  as  he  rode  away. 

Oda  had  greatly  enjoyed  her  ride  with  Siegfried.  She 
was  a  skilful  horsewoman,  and  they  galloped  merrily  on 
together  over  the  meadows,  chasing  the  deer  which  lay 
hidden  among  the  reeils  of  the  Michaelstein  lake,  and 
which  the  hounds  aroused.  Siegfried  was  radiant  with 
joy  by  the  side  of  his  beloved,  and  his  heart  expanded 
like  the  spring  flowers.  Birds  carolled  among  the  blos- 
soming trees,  and  the  two  young  hearts  beat  high  with 
youthful  hope  and  pleasure.  But  when  they  met  Albrecht 
with  the  Knight  von  Dorstadt,  on  returning  home,  and 
heard  the  bishop's  demand  and  threat,  it  was  as  if  they 
were  suddenly  plunged  into  cold  water :  one  was  rudely 
awakened  from  his  blissful  dream  ;  the  other,  filled  with 
anxiety  and  distress. 


76  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

Albrecht's  response  was  a  consolation  to  Siegfried,  for 
he  knew  his  brother  well  enough  to  feel  sure  that  he  would 
not  yield  to  the  bishop's  threats.  But  the  latter  might 
take  further  steps,  or  unforeseen  events  might  occur  to 
make  Oda's  stay  at  Regenstein  impossible.  He  reflected, 
therefore,  whether  he  had  not  better  confess  his  love  to 
Oda,  lest  some  day  she  should  be  torn  from  him  without 
knowing  that  he  loved  her.  On  the  other  hand,  how 
would  she  take  his  avowal?  She  treated  him  with  almost 
sisterly  familiarity,  and  he  could  not  discover  in  her 
behavior  to  him  the  slightest  sign  of  maidenly  love.  So 
he  locked  up  his  secret  within  his  own  breast  for  the 
present,  and  waited  and  hoped. 

As  for  Count  Albrecht,  his  eyes  would  often  rest  in 
admiration  upon  Oda's  slender  figure,  contrasting  so  well 
with  Siegfried's  manly  strength.  Her  beautiful  face,  with 
its  delicate  color,  and  the  soft,  soulful  eyes,  had  an  irresist- 
ible charm ;  her  every  movement  combined  grace  and 
dignity,  and  to  the  young  girl's  shyness  was  added  much 
self-possession. 

All  this  Albrecht  was  glad  to  see,  and  when  he  per- 
ceived how  his  youngest  brother  —  not  an  adept  in  the 
art  of  dissimulation  —  felt  toward  Oda,  the  discovery  gave 
him  great  satisfaction.  Siegfried,  indeed,  had  come  to 
meet  him  half-way,  as  if  to  help  him  in  the  execution  of 
his  plan  of  making  the  two  happy  in  marriage. 

Oda  sat  the  whole  of  the  afternoon  in  her  chamber, 
grieving  over  the  danger  which  threatened  Count  Albrecht, 
and  which  could  only  be  averted  by  yielding  to  the  bish- 
op's demand.  During  her  nearly  sleepless  night,  she 
determined  to  beg  Count  Albrecht  to  send  her  at  once  to 
the  abbess.  This  she  did  timidly  the  next  morning.  The 
count  looked  at  her  with  surprise,  and  at  the  same  time 
so  kindly,  that  she  could  say  no  more,  and  despite  herself 
her  heart  began  to  beat  faster  than  was  its  wont. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  77 

"  My  dear  child,"  said  he,  gently,  "  art  thou  troubled 
about  me  on  account  of  the  threatened  ban  ?  " 

Oda  trembled  ;  she  stood  before  him,  embarrassed,  with- 
out being  able  to  utter  a  word. 

4 'Do  not  distress  thyself,  Countess  Oda,"  he  continued, 
soothingly;  "the  bishop's  ban  will  afflict  me  little,  even 
should  he  dare  to  pronounce  it.  I  will  not  detain  thee  by 
force,  but  the  threat  of  excommunication  is  no  reason  for 
releasing  thee.  The  bishop  only  wanteth  thy  inheritance, 
and  will  strain  every  nerve  to  get  possession  of  thee,  that 
he  may  force  thee  to  renounce  it.  And  then  think,"  he 
added,  smiling,  "  what  a  long  face  Siegfried  would  wear,  if 
I  let  thee  go." 

The  girl  opened  her  blue  eyes,  as  though  she  did  not 
understand  bin,  and  then  asked,  simply,  "  Dost  thou  wish 
me  to  stay,  Sir  Count?  " 

He  held  out  his  hand,  and  said,  fervently,  "Yea,  Count- 
ess Oda  !     I  do  wish  it ;  I  wish  it  most  heartily  !  " 

"I  remain  then!"  she  cried,  quickly,  and  her  words 
sounded  like  a  suppressed  cry  of  joy.  With  a  slight  pres- 
sure of  his  hand  she  left  the  room,  confused  and  blushing. 

Count  Albrecht  stood  gazing  thoughtfully  at  the  door, 
through  which  she  had  so  quickly  disappeared.  A  deep 
sigh  escaped  him.  "  Nonsense  !  "  he  exclaimed,  shaking 
his  head,  and  turning  away  hastily. 

At  that  moment  Schadow,  his  squire,  entered  and  an- 
nounced, "  The  scrivener,  from  the  castle  !  " 

Albrecht  made  a  quick  movement,  but  beckoned  to  the 
man  to  show  him  up.  "  She  hath  sent  for  me,"  he  said 
to  himself,  with  a  smile.  "  Welcome,  Florencius  !  Darest 
thou  trust  thyself  in  the  hands  of  the  robber  count?  " 

"  Oh  !  Sir  Count,"  answered  the  new-comer,  with  a  deep 
bow,  "  I  could  not  feci  safer  in  Abraham's  bosom." 

"  Clever  fellow  !  "  laughed  the  count ;   "  thou  hast  al- 


78  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

ways  a  shrewd  word  to  sa}'  at  the  right  time.  What 
bringest  thou,  brave  Florencius,  —  an  angry  epistle?" 

"Nay;  only  a  thousand  greetings  from  our  gracious 
lady." 

I*  And  that  I  must  come.     Is  it  not  so? " 

"  Yea,  Sir  Count;  the  message  was  to  that  effect.  It 
hath  been  repeated  to  me  more  than  once,"  replied  Flor- 
encius. 

84  Spare  me  the  litany.  I  will  take  it  for  granted," 
answered  Albrecht.     "  What  doth  my  lady  wish?  " 

"Thee,  and  the  Countess  Oda  von  Falkenstein." 

"Naturally!  Well,  she  ma}^  have  me,  but  not  the 
countess." 

"  No !     In  that  case  I  am  to  ask,  why  not?" 

' '  That  will  I  tell  the  abbess  myself." 

"So  much  the  better!  So  will  she  be  best  suited. 
But—" 

"But!     But  what?" 

84 1  must  see  thy  prisoner,  Sir  Count." 

"Oho!  thou  knave!  Is  that  part  of  thy  charge,  or 
only  thine  own  idle  curiosity?"  asked  Count  Albrecht. 

Florencius  laughed.  "  That  I  am  not  authorized  to  tell 
thee,  Sir  Count.  I  was  to  see  for  myself  if  she  be  young 
and  beautiful,  but  with  caution  and  secrecy." 

It  was  now  Albrecht's  turn  to  laugh.  "  By  my  soul ! 
Thy  mistress  hath  chosen  a  crafty  spy  !  Tell  her  that  the 
captive  is  young  and  beautiful,  and  that  our  rock  hath 
never  yet  sheltered  such  a  lily." 

44  High  praise  from  thy  mouth,  Sir  Count !  " 

"  But  not  high  enough,  Florencius  !  Thou  shalt  be  our 
guest  to-day,  and  see  her  at  the  mid-day  meal.  In  the 
afternoon  thou  canst  ride  back  to  thy  mistress  and  tell  her 
what  thou  hast  with  great  secrecy  discovered.  And  I  will 
come  myself,  erelong." 


THE  ROBBER  C0UN1.  79 

"  But  I  was  also  bidden  to  invite  the  countess  to  the 
castle,"  said  Florencius.  "  The  abbess  awaits  her  ar- 
rival." 

11  Invite  her?  Since  when  hath  it  been  the  fashion  to 
give  invitations  to  prisoners?" 

"  Wilt  thou  in  sooth  not  let  her  go,  then,  Sir  Count?  " 

"  Nay,"  laughed  the  count ;  u  in  sooth  I  will  not  let  her 
go.  Now  I  will  pray  thee  to  leave  me  ;  I  will  meet  thee 
again  at  the  board." 

Florencius  left  the  room,  and  went  in  search  of  the 
knight,  Bock  von  Schlanstedt. 

"They  are  all  striving  to  take  the  sweet  maiden  from 
me  !  "  said  Albrecht  to  himself,  when  he  was  again  alone. 
He  walked  to  the  window,  and  looked  toward  the  castle  of 
Quedlinburg.  u  Be  not  disturbed,  Jutta  !  The  white  lily 
cannot  be  dangerous  to  the  red  rose  ! " 


80  THE  BOBBER  COUNT. 


CHAPTER  X. 

The  following  morning  brought  a  new  surprise  to  Count 
Albrecht.  A  letter  came  from  the  counts  of  Berthold  and 
Rudolf  of  Blankenburg,  protesting  against  Albrecht's 
assumption  of  the  domain  and  castle  of  Gersdorf ,  under 
the  pretext  that  it  had  been  promised  to  them  by  the 
Prince  of  Ballenstedt  man}7  months  before.  They  were, 
nevertheless,  prepared  to  renounce  their  claim,  if  Count 
Albrecht  would  solemnly  agree  to  aid  them  in  acquiring 
Lauenburg,  in  regard  to  which  they  had  been  in  treaty 
with  the  abbess  of  Quedlinburg  for  a  long  time.  Other- 
wise, they  were  ready  to  declare  war  against  him. 
Beside  the  signatures  of  both  the  counts  of  Blankenburg, 
the  document  was  also  signed  by  the  counts  Walther 
and  Konrad  von  Wernigerode  and  the  knights  Johann 
von  Romersleben,  Heinrich  von  Hakeborn,  Hans  von 
Kreiendorf,  Werner  von  Hadmersleben,  and  Gerhard  von 
Zflly. 

"  Ha  !"  cried  Count  Albrecht  to  Siegfried,  as  he  read  ; 
"  the  signal  for  the  hunt  hath  been  given,  and  the  bishop 
hath  let  loose  the  hounds.  Ride  over  to  Bernhard,  and 
take  him  this  letter.  Say  to  him  privately  that  I  know  of 
but  one  answer  to  it.  In  eight  days  Lauenburg  must  be 
ours,  and  he  shall  occupy  it.  I  will  ride  to  Quedlinburg, 
and  thence  to  Gersdorf,  in  order  to  inform  Gunther. 
Heed  well  what  Bernhard  adviseth." 

"Oh!  he  will  not  advise  against  it,"  answered  the 
youth,  much  stirred  at  the  prospect  of  the  coming 
struggle. 


THE  ROBBER   COUNT.  81 

4 'Take  Countess  Oda  with  thee  to  visit  Reginhild," 
Albrecht  went  on.  "Tranquillize  her  as  well  as  thou 
canst ;  seek  to  win  her  favor.  Thou  must  be  her  friend 
and  consoler,  Siegfried.     It  is  my  wish." 

Siegfried  stood  before  his  brother  with  downcast  eyes, 
as  though  he  were  receiving  rebuke,  and  in  the  tone  of 
one  who  says,  "  I  will  mend  my  ways,"  he  replied,  — 

"  I  will  do  my  best." 

"  Good  !  "  said  Albrecht.  "  Now  order  Schadow  to 
saddle  my  horse,  and  tell  him  he  is  to  ride  wTith  me,  and 
send  Bock  hither.     I  wish  to  talk  with  him." 

Siegfried  went  to  execute  his  brother's  behest,  and  Al- 
brecht put  on  his  coat  of  mail,  which  he  had  no  sooner 
done  than  Bock  made  his  appearance. 

" Rejoice,  Bock!"  cried  the  count;  "  thou  wilt  soon 
have  thy  fill  of  hacking  and  slashing." 

Bock's  eyes  sparkled. 

"When?    Where?    Against  whom,  Sir  Count?" 

44  The  bishop  of  Halberstadt,  and  the  Blankenburgs, 
the  Wernigerodes  and  others  will  s6on  take  the  field 
against  us.     Now  listen  closely  to  what  I  say  to  thee." 

Bock  bent  forward,  and  fixed  his  piercing  e}7es  upon  his 
master.  He  looked  like  a  hawk  about  to  swoop  down 
upon  its  prey. 

44  Let  thy  six  bloodhounds  loose,"  directed  the  count, 
44  and  hunt  up  that  old  fox,  Schabernack,  and  find  out 
from  him  what  the  bishop's  designs  are.  If  he  knoweth 
nothing,  let  him  discover  if  the  bishop  hath  on  foot  an  ex- 
pedition into  Swabia,  and  speedily  inform  us,  and  of  what 
is  occurring  in  Halberstadt,  as  well." 

44  It  shall  be  done,  master ;  but  we  must  wet  his  throat 
and  fill  his  purse." 

44  Promise  him  a  rich  guerdon,  Bock,  for  we  must  needs 
have  certain  knowledge  at  the  right  time." 


82  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 


n 


I  would  rather  go  alone,  and  speak  with  the  old 
devil's  spawn  myself,"  answered  the  knight.  "He  shall 
not  make  me  believe  a  stork's  nest  to  be  a  horse's 
crib." 

"Do  so,"  said  the  count,  "  but  not  to-day,  for  I  must 
go  forth,  and  Siegfried  likewise.  Let  two  of  thy  com- 
rades lie  in  ambush  on  the  road  between  Blankenburg  and 
Wernigerode,  and  keep  their  eyes  and  ears  open.  The 
others  may  rove  about  Halberstadt  and  Wegeleben.  Give 
instructions  in  Schwanebeck,  Harlseben,  and  Derenburg 
to  waylay  travellers  who  are  not  of  our  faction,  and  ex- 
amine their  papers.     Those  who  resist  —  " 

"They  shall  be  provided  for." 

M  Do  what  is  necessary,  but  spare  the  poor  peasants. 
Thou  shalt  not  harass  and  importune  them.  Thou  under- 
standest  that,  Bock." 

"Yea,  my  lord." 

"  Bock,  we  must  be  up  early,  and  keep  the  bow  strung 
and  the  lance  in  rest.  Our  enemies  are  bestirring  them- 
selves ;  we  must  vanquish  one  after  another.  And  I  will 
confide  to  thee,  Bock,  that  in  the  first  place  we  must 
obtain  Lauenburg." 

"  Ha  !  Lauenburg  !  That  hath  had  so  many  suitors 
already ! " 

"Certainly;  and  therefore  I  must  press  my  suit,  and 
capture  it  at  once  ! " 

"  Yea,  Sir  Count ;  and  I  must  be  with  thee." 

"  Thou  shalt.  And  now  thou  knowest  all.  See  that 
thy  brave  company  is  up  and  doing." 

"  Master,  rely  upon  me !  "  and  the  knight  hastened 
away  with  long  strides.  Schadow  stood  outside,  with  two 
horses  saddled  and  bridled.  "  The  count  will  be  with  thee 
speedily  !  "  Bock  called  out  to  him.  Schadow  merely 
nodded.     The  doughty  squire  only  spoke   when   it   was 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  83 

necessary,  and  then  in  the  briefest  manner.  When  his 
master  appeared,  he  held  the  stirrup  for  him,  and  they 
rode  away  together. 

To  Bock  von  Schlanstedt  the  bright  sunny  day  seemed 
a  trifle  tedious.  After  his  comrades  had  departed,  he 
seated  himself  on  a  bench  in  the  shadow  of  the  stables, 
crossed  his  long,  thin  legs,  and  pondered  on  what  his 
master  had  said  to  him.  But  strange  to  tell,  much  as  the 
bold  swaggerer  had  revelled  in  warfare  since  he  first  took 
his  life  in  his  hands,  to-day  his  thoughts  were  continually 
straying  away  from  its  details,  and  taking  an  altogether 
different  turn. 

It  was  one  of  his  weaknesses  to  imagine  that  he  under- 
stood women  thoroughly,  and  could  make  himself  danger- 
ous to  the  feminine  heart.  He  could  not  recover  from 
his  chagrin  at  having  been  deceived,  and  confusing  mis- 
tress with  maid,  when  he  brought  the  countess  to  Regen. 
stein.  He  felt  that  he  had  disgraced  himself,  and  was  in 
a  difficult  position  with  regard  to  both  one  and  the  other. 
As  regards  the  countess,  he  considered  that  he  had  added 
insult  to  injury  by  his  mistake,  and  kept  out  of  her  way 
as  much  as  possible,  seeking  to  make  atonement  by  his 
solemn  and  subservient  manner,  without  suspecting  the 
amusement  it  caused. 

He  was  no  less  mortified  in  the  presence  of  the  maid, 
though  for  a  different  reason.  It  piqued  him  to  think  that 
he  had  rendered  her  homage,  as  though  she  were  a  high- 
born damsel,  —  the  saucy  maid,  who  had  undertaken  to 
play  the  lady  from  Quedlinburg  to  Regenstein,  and  by 
making  him  fall  into  her  trap,  had  disgraced  him  in  his 
own  eyes.  He  determined  to  be  revenged  upon  her  for 
this  imposition,  and  to  make  her  realize,  by  his  severe  and 
yet  patronizing  behavior,  their  respective  positions. 

Eilika  understood  his  motive,  and  indulged  in  playful 


84  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

skirmishing  with  the  offended  knight,  who  never  gave  her, 
in  return  for  her  keenest  thrusts,  a  rude  retort,  however 
hot  he  might  be.  He  usually  got  the  worst  of  it,  however, 
and  was  obliged  to  retire  in  confusion. 

But  these  little  combats  were  not  without  result.  The 
knight's  inflammable  heart  caught  fire,  and  one  morning 
Bock  awoke,  head  over  ears  in  love  with  the  pretty  maid. 
He  was  quite  angry  with  himself  at  the  discovery,  and 
instead  of  making  known  his  feelings,  he  endeavored  to 
carefully  conceal  them,  without  choosing  the  best  means 
of  doing  so,  namely,  by  avoiding  her.  On  the  contrary, 
he  followed  her  more  persistently  than  ever,  and  Eilika 
failed  not  to  note  his  infatuation. 

The  cunning  maiden,  no  longer  very  young,  but  some- 
what spoilt,  who  thought  the  old  housekeeper  too  sedate, 
and  the  castle  servants  too  much  beneath  her  for  familiar 
intercourse,  was  strongly  tempted  to  lead  the  love-lorn 
knight  by  the  nose  for  the  sake  of  pastime. 

When  she  saw  him  sitting  by  himself  on  the  stone 
bench,  she  came  out,  and  accepting  his  polite  invitation, 
took  a  seat  beside  him. 

'•  It  is  lonely  here  to-day,"  she  began.  "  If  I  were  not 
under  thy  protection,  Sir  Knight,  I  should  really  feel 
afraid ;  in  fact,  without  thee  I  should  be  ready  to  run 
away." 

Bock  was  much  flattered  by  this  speech.  He  sat  bolt 
upright,  and  said,  with  a  complaisant  smile,  u  Fear  noth- 
ing, mistress !  I  will  defend  thee  from  danger ;  and  if 
thou  shouldst  run  away,  I  will  run  after  thee." 

"  Ah  !  Sir  Knight !  "  sighed  Eilika,  "•  my  heart  is  heavy 
when  I  think  of  the  future.  What  is  to  become  of  us, 
Countess  Oda  and  myself?  We  cannot  always  remain  at 
Regenstein." 

"Why  not?"  answered  Bock,  with  animation;  "what 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  85 

do  ye  lack  here  ?  Ye  have  each  a  knight,  who  is  ready 
at  any  moment  to  shed  his  blood  for  ye." 

Eilika  bit  her  lips,  to  avoid  laughing.  "  Heaven  forbid, 
Sir  Knight ! "  she  exclaimed.  u  I  can  never  bear  the  sight 
of  blood." 

"It  is  not  necessary  that  thou  shouldst  see  it,"  replied 
Bock  ;  "  a  brave  knight  doth  not  summon  his  lady-love, 
when  he  breaketh  a  lance  fof  her." 

M  I  have  heard,"  said  Eilika,  "  that  the  bishop  requireth 
thy  master  to  yield  us  up  to  him.  Then  we  shall  be  put 
into  a  convent,  and  forced  to  take  the  veil.  Alas  !  we  love 
the  world  and  our  fellow-men  so  dearly,  Sir  Knight ! " 
chirped  the  maid,  with  a  glance  that  might  have  melted 
the  iron  links  in  Bock's  shirt  of  mail. 

M  Gentle  maiden  !  "  cried  he,  warmly,  "  how  canst  thou 
disturb  thyself  with  such  a  frightful  thought?  We  will 
give  ye  up  to  no  one.  Bock  von  Schlanstedt  will  never 
suffer  thee  to  become  a  nun  !  " 

a  How  wilt  thou  hinder  it?"  asked  Eilika,  with  a  side- 
long glance  at  the  knight. 

It  was  certainly  a  dangerous  question,  to  which  there 
was  a  very  natural  answer.  But  Bock's  imagination  had 
never  carried  him  quite  as  far  as  that.  He  was  almost 
frightened  at  Eilika's  sudden  queiy,  and  at  the  possibility 
of  his  roving,  rollicking  life  being  changed  to  one  of 
domestic  monotony. 

"  Hinder,"  he  repeated,  in  visible  embarrassment,  while 
he  stroked  his  long  mustache.  "Oh!  there  are  many 
ways.  Dost  thou  not  see  how  my  young  master,  Count 
Siegfried,  admireth  thy  gracious  mistress?  I  believe  he 
loveth  her  and  she  him,  and  when  they  are  wedded,  I 
shall  still  remain  with  them,  and  thou  canst  likewise  stay 
with  his  lady,  and  —  and  then  thou  needest  not  become  a 
nun." 


86  TEE  ROBBER   COUNT. 

"  Ah  !  a  fine  plan  !  "  laughed  Eilika. 

"Is  it  not?"  said  Bock,  proud  of  his  shrewdness. 
"  But  I  fear  me  they  are  both  too  shy  to  speak.  What  if 
we  should  strive  to  help  them  a  little,  so  as  to  bring  them 
together  the  sooner  ?  " 

44  H'm  !     How  wouldst  thou  begin  ?  " 

44  Oh  !  I  will  leave  that  to  thee,"  he  answered.  "  There 
is  ten  times  more  wit  under  a  woman's  head-gear  than 
under  a  steel  morion.  Thou  surely  wishest  thy  mistress 
happiness,  as  I  do  my  dear  young  master ;  bethink  thy- 
self if  there  is  not  some  way  by  which  we  can  help 
them." 

Eilika  nodded,  and  sat  for  a  while  in  thoughtful  silence, 
while  Bock  waited  patiently  for  the  result  of  her  medita- 
tions. But  he  was  altogether  mistaken  as  to  their  pur- 
port ;  Eilika's  thoughts  had  wandered  another  way. 

She  had  prepared  herself  for  a  declaration  of  love  from 
the  knight,  and  perchance  for  scornful  toleration  on  her 
side,  though  she  might  not  have  immediately  spoken  a 
decided  no,  but  have  asked  for  time,  and  so  kept  him  in 
suspense.  But  now  he  had  drawn  back  directly,  seeming 
to  regard  her  question  as  a  sort  of  challenge.  If  this 
were  the  case,  she  had  unmasked  herself,  and  felt  almost 
as  if  she  were  the  rejected  one.  His  plan  for  helping  to 
unite  Siegfried  and  Oda  was  welcome  to  her,  as  well  as 
his  proposal  that  she  should  remain  with  the  latter,  for 
she  sincerely  loved  her  mistress  ;  but  when  he  said,  "And 
I  shall  remain  with  my  young  master,"  he  should  have 
added,  "  and  then  would  I  marry  thee,"  but  not  one  word 
more  came  from  him  !  What  did  this  Bock  desire  ?  Did 
he  intend  to  hang  about  her,  without  any  serious  purpose  ? 
She  would  soon  put  a  stop  to  that ! 

4'  Sir  Knight,"  she  said,  finally,  4'  thy  proposition  is  not 
amiss  ;  I  will  think  of  it,  and  gather  meanwhile  a  bunch 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  87 

of  wild  flowers  for  my  mistress,  for  I  know  how  she  lov- 
eth  them." 

u  And  I  will  help  thee  to  find  them,"  rejoined  Bock. 

"  I  do  not  need  thy  help,"  she  retorted.  "  Thouknow- 
est  how  to  handle  horses,  but  handling  flowers  is  a  differ- 
ent tiling !  " 

M  Fair  and  softly  !"  cried  Bock,  not  pleased  by  Eilika's 
tone  ;  "it  would  not  be  the  first  nosegay  I  have  handled." 

"  It  maketh  a  difference  for  whom  the  flowers  are 
plucked,"  said  she,  turning  up  her  nose. 

uIf  thou  wilt  permit  me  to  pluck  them  for  thee,  I  will 
show  thee  —  " 

44  Spare  thyself  the  trouble  ;  thou  wouldst  earn  small 
thanks,"  replied  she,  maliciously. 

"  I  deem  trouble  always  worth  thanks,"  said  he,  wonder- 
ing at  the  abrupt  change  in  her  manner. 

"  Dost  thou?  I  do  not  agree  with  thee.  Officiousness 
never  deserveth  thanks." 

"A  nettle  beginneth  to  sting  young,"  he  retorted,  fairly 
aroused. 

"Then  keep  away  from  the  nettle,"  suiting  the  action 
to  the  word,  and  moving  to  the  other  end  of  the  bench. 

44  What  hath  come  over  thee,  that  thou  shouldst  sud- 
denly be  so  unkind?"  asked  Bock. 

"Unkind?  Suddenly?  I  know  not  that  I  have  ever 
been  kind.  I  would,  however,  save  thee  from  being  stung 
by  nettles." 

'*  Too  much  wit  and  wisdom  may  sometimes  prove 
worse  than  folly,"  he  answered. 

44  So  much  the  better  for  thee,"  laughed  she,  44  for  thou 
art  not  overburdened  with  the  former  commodities  !  " 

"  Hast  thou  made  that  discovery  already?" 

44  Yes,"  she  answered,  boldly,  44  on  the  first  day  of  our 
acquaintance,  when  thou  didst  ride  beside  me,  and  called 
me  4 gracious  lady.'" 


88  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

Whereupon  he  answered,  angrily,  "Ye  were  both  clothed 
from  head  to  foot  in  travelling  gear,  with  veils  over  your 
faces ;  how  should  I  discern  the  difference  between  mis- 
tress and  maid  ?  " 

"  I  am  not  her  maid,"  she  said. 

4 '  Not  her  maid  ?     What,  then  ?  " 

"  That  is  hard  to  explain  to  thee,  who  hast  been  brought 
up  among  the  peasant  wenches  of  thy  native  village." 

She  had  now  touched  a  sore  spot,  and  he  could  not  for- 
give her.  He  rose,  and  his  angular  face  assumed  a  for- 
bidding expression. 

"  Thou  hast  thyself  reminded  me  that  I  am  in  command 
here  to-day.  I  will,  therefore,  show  my  care  for  thee. 
The  spring  sun  may  tan  thy  white  skin  ;  for  that  reason, 
go  up  quickly  to  thy  chamber  and  bide  there  till  thy  mis- 
tress returneth." 

What!  Had  she  heard  him  rightly?  He  meant  to 
imprison  her?  "  Sir  Bock  von  Schlanstedt !  "  she  cried, 
springing  to  her  feet,  "  I  hope  —  " 

But  he  cut  her  short,  adding,  with  a  piercing  glance, 
"  Should  it  not  please  thee  to  stay  in  thy  chamber,  I  know 
many  cooler  places,"  pointing  to  the  caves  in  the  rock, 
and  bade  her  good  morning. 

Was  it  possible?  Dared  he  do  it?  But  she  was,  after 
all,  a  captive  in  the  fortress  of  the  robber  count,  and  in 
the  power  of  his  lieutenant.  Pale  and  trembling,  she  went 
to  her  room,  speechless  with  rage. 

Bock  looked  after  her  grimly,  and  muttered  to  himself, 
"  I  will  tame  thee  yet,  disdainful  maiden !  " 


THE  BOBBER  COUNT.  89 


CHAPTER  XI. 

In  the  mean  time  Count  Albrecht  rode  to  Quedlinburg, 
his  faithful  servant,  Schadow,  trotting  a  short  distance 
behind.  As  they  passed  over  the  tournament  field,  and 
saw  the  strongly  fortified  town  lying  before  them,  Al- 
brecht's  face  darkened.  He  begrudged  the  burghers  their 
rapidly  growing  power,  and  the  consciousness  of  it,  which 
made  them  proud  and  refractory,  no  longer  relying  upon 
their  patrons,  whose  influence  upon  the  government  of  the 
city  they  endeavored  continually  to  lessen. 

Consequently,  he  did  not  pass  the  lofty  gate,  where  he 
knew  he  would  receive  but  a  churlish  greeting  from  the 
guard,  but  turned  to  the  right,  and  rode  around  the  Miin- 
zenburg,  and  from  that  side  to  the  Konigsburg. 

When  he  had  mounted  the  steps  within  the  castle,  in 
the  passageway  leading  to  the  apartment  of  the  abbess, 
he  met  the  superior,  Kunigunde,  whose  encounter  with 
Albrecht  was  by  no  means  accidental,  for  she  had  spied 
him  in  the  distance,  and  had  been  lying  in  wait  for  him. 

"  Ah  !  "  cried  she,  feigning  surprise,  "  Count  Albrecht, 
is  it  thou  !  So  thou  hast  come  at  last !  We  have  been 
dying  to  see  thee  !  " 

"  So  I  thought,"  he  replied,  smiling,  "  and  therefore  I 
have  come." 

M  Bringest  thou  thy  fair  prisoner  with  thee  !  Where  is 
she,  then?"  asked  Kunigunde. 

"  Bound  and  well  guarded,  in  a  dark  dungeon." 

"  What  a  mocker  thou  art,  Count !  "  she  said,  with  a 
smile  which  traced  a  thousand  wrinkles  in  her  faded  face. 

They   had  reached    the   door   of   an   anteroom,  which 


90  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

Albrecht  was  about  to  open,  when  the  superior  remarked, 
"  Now  we  shall  hear  what  our  dear  lady  hath  to  say  to  thy 
detention  of  one  of  her  flock." 

"  I  will  request  her  to  send  for  thee,"  he  answered,  "  so 
soon  as  thy  counsel  is  needed."  And  with  a  low  bow  he 
slipped  through  the  door,  which  he  closed  quickly  behind 
him. 

She  stood  for  a  moment  confused,  cheated  out  of  the 
gratification  of  her  curiosity. 

"  Bear  !  "  she  muttered,  with  a  wrathful  face,  and  has- 
tened to  the  deaconess,  to  pour  her  vexation  into  her 
friend's  sympathizing  ear. 

u  My  welcome  here  will  be  a  scant  one,"  thought  Count 
Albrecht,  while  he  was  being  announced  to  the  abbess. 

Certainly  she  did  not  come  to  him  so  quickly  as  on  the 
last  occasion.  "  One  must  bid  thee  come,  Count,  if  one 
wisheth  to  see  thee,"  she  said  in  a  somewhat  cool  tone,  to 
which  her  bright  eyes  seemed  }7et  to  give  the  lie. 

"  Gracious  lady,"  answered  he,  "  I  have  not  been  sitting 
with  the  monks,  angling  in  the  Michaelstein  fish-pond." 

"I  conjecture  what  hath  kept  thee  away,  Count," 
remarked  the  abbess,  motioning  him  to  take  a  seat. 
' '  Thou  comest  not  alone  ?  " 

11  Nay,  my  lady;  my  Schadow  hath  accompanied  me," 
he  replied,  seating  himself. 

"  Thy  shadow?    Yea,  that  I  see,"  said  she. 

"  Nay,  gracious  lady,  he  is  below  in  the  court-yard,  hold- 
ing the  horses." 

The  abbess  looked  at  him,  puzzled. 

"  My  servant's  name  is  Schadow,"  he  continued,  with  a 
smile.     "  Otherwise  I  come  alone." 

"  Thou  bringest  not  the  countess  with  thee?  " 

u  Nay,  gracious  lady." 

"  Count  Albrecht,"  said  the  abbess,  '«  this  is  altogether 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  91 

a  new  manner  of  acting  the  part  of  protector.  Are  maid- 
ens in  the  future  to  first  serve  their  novitiate  at  thy  castle, 
before  they  are  admitted  into  our  chapter?" 

"I  had  not  thought  of  that,  my  lady,  but  it  would  be  a 
good  idea.  It  is  very  lonely  in  the  castle  without  a  com- 
panionable woman." 

44  Sayest  thou  so,  Count?  Is  not  this  a  new  senti- 
ment on  thy  part?  It  would  not  be  difficult  to  supply  the 
lack  of  companionship  at  the  Regenstein  in  the  pleasantest 
manner  possible." 

She  reddened,  as  she  uttered  these  words,  and  her  eyes 

ark  led. 
In  sooth  !  "  he  replied,  lightly,  "  and  now  the  lack  is 
supplied  " 

44  But  by  what  means !  By  force  and  craft,  justice 
and  right  notwithstanding ;  though,  perhaps,  it  is  com- 
panionship under  such  circumstances  which  thou  desirest?  " 
she  said,  defiantly. 

44 1  did  not  seek  her,"  answered  the  count.  4l  Bock  von 
Schlanstedt  brought  me  the  Countess  Oda,  because  she 
happened  accidentally  to  come  across  his  path  rather  than 
another." 

44  Accidentally?  Without  thy  command  ?  How  can  I 
believe  that?" 

44 1  chided  him  well,  when  he  brought  her  to  my  castle." 

44  Notwithstanding  which,  thou  keepest  her  there." 

44  From  pity  for  the  maiden." 

44  From  pity ! "  repeated  the  abbess,  with  a  mocking 
smile. 

44  And  because  I  intend  to  hold  her  as  a  hostage  against 
the  shameful  designs  of  her  brother  and  in  despite  of  the 
bishop,  to  whom  I  grudge  the  beautiful  countess," 
answered  Albrecht,  becoming  impatient  at  this  prolonged 
interrogation. 


92  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

"And  hast  thou  no  more  reasons  to  allege?"  scoffed 
the  abbess.  "Let  me  ask  thee,  Sir  Count,  by  what  right 
thou  refusest  her  to  me  also,  to  whose  protection  she  hath 
been  confide  1  by  her  brother?" 

"  Because  she  is  safer  at  the  Regenstein  with  me  than 
she  would  be  here,"  he  answered,  resolutely. 

"  Safer?"  she  repeated,  her  sarcastic  smile  returning, 
"  thou  meanest  —  nearer  to  thee  !  " 

Count  Albrecht  frowned. 

"  And  the  poor  maiden  remaineth  willingly  with  thee?" 
asked  Jutta,  with  a  watchful  glance. 

"  I  trust  so,  my  gracious  lady,"  said  Albrecht,  looking 
firmly  at  the  abbess.  Her  scornful  tone  and  suspicious 
words  irritated  him  to  that  degree  that  he  had  difficulty 
in  restraining  himself. 

"  I  can  well  believe  it !  Why  should  she  not?  Thou 
art  such  an  anxious  guardian  of  thy  accidental  charge." 

"  I  understand  my  duties  as  host,  my  lady." 

"Truly,"  she  returned,  with  hot  cheeks.  "And  I  am 
told  by  the  convent  scrivener  that  your  young  countess  is 
beautiful.  Thou  hast  said  so,  indeed  ;  thou  thinkest  thy- 
self that  no  such  lily  hath  ever  bloomed  upon  thy  rocks. 
I  am  sure  I  wish  thee  joy  of  her,  Count  von  Regenstein  !  " 

Thereupon  Albrecht  rose  quickly  from  his  seat,  pushed 
it  back,  and  cried,  in  a  loud  tone,  "  My  lady,  forget  not 
to  whom  and  of  whom  thou  speakest.  "Why  shouldst 
thou  trouble  thyself  about  my  actions?  Am  I  a  choir- 
bo}7,  who  is  rebuked  because  he  singeth  falsely  ?  I  have 
come  hither,  not  to  justify  myself,  but  to  unfold  to  thee 
my  reasons  for  detaining  the  Countess  von  Falkenstein. 
Moreover,  I  am  lord  in  my  own  castle,  and  whom  I  would 
keep  there,  I  keep,  despite  thee  and  the  bishop  !  "With 
one  word  I  could  disarm  thy  suspicions,  cared  I  to  take 
the  trouble  to  speak  that  word  !  " 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  93 

He  turned  from  her,  and  strode  angrily  up  and  down. 

The  abbess  recoiled  before  his  gusty  wrath  and  his 
flashing  glances.  Pale  and  trembling,  she  sought  support 
by  leaning  upon  the  table.  And  yet  this  outbreak  of 
masterful  temper  filled  her  with  a  sort  of  joy,  notwith- 
standing her  fears. 

"  Speak  that  word,  Count  Albrecht ! "  she  urged. 

<l  It  is  a  secret,"  he  replied,  u  and  is  nothing  more  than 
the  earnest  desire  of  my  heart.  I  will  disclose  it  to  thee, 
my  lady,  but  I  trust  thou  wilt  not  abuse  my  confidence." 

She  listened  expectant  as  he  approached  nearer,  and 
said,  "  I  cherish  a  secret  hope  that  the  Countess  Oda  will 
wed  my  brother  Siegfried." 

"Ah!"  ejaculated  Jutta ;  and  this  was  all  she  said, 
but  it  came  from  the  depths  of  her  heart,  while  a  smile  lit 
up  her  face.  She  made  an  effort  to  regain  her  self-pos- 
session, and  conceal  the  true  cause  of  her  anxiety  as  well 
as  her  sense  of  relief.  The  count  must,  at  least,  have 
suspected  her  of  jealousy,  and  she  said  to  herself  that  he 
was  magnanimous  to  act  as  if  he  perceived  nothing. 
Perchance  he  already  understood  her  feelings.  It  might 
well  be,  for  in  his  presence  she  was  only  too  apt  to  lose 
self-control. 

But  if  he  knew  what  she  could  not  conceal,  why  did  he 
not  consider  himself  fortunate,  did  he  not  feel  proud  to 
be  loved  by  such  a  one  as  she  ?  She  knew  that  her  rank 
and  beauty  entitled  her  to  stand  side  by  side  with  any  Von 
Regenstein,  and  why  should  not  she  and  Albrecht  make 
such  another  pair  as  were  Siegfried,  the  dragon-slayer, 
and  his  Brunhild. 

She  wished  now  to  recover  the  appearance,  at  least,  of 
maidenly  reserve  ;  so,  summoning  all  her  dignity,  she  said, 
"  Forgive  me,  Count  Albrecht !  Had  I  been  aware  of  thy 
desires  and  hopes  regarding  the  Countess  Oda  and  thy 


94  THE  ROBBER  COUNT 

brother,  I  should  have  understood  and  approved,  but  the 
countess  was  sent  to  me  to  be  an  inmate  of  this  convent ; 
therefore,  I  feel  myself  responsible  for  her,  and  as  abbess, 
considered  myself  obliged  to  require  her  presence  here. 
Now,  the  case  is  different,  and  we  can  easily  come  to  au 
understanding." 

"  If  thou  didst  only  know  my  Siegfried  !  "  answered  the 
count. 

"  Oh,  I  know  him  !  "  interrupted  the  abbess,  while  she 
again  seated  herself,  and  invited  Albrecht  to  do  likewise. 

"Thou  hast  seen  him  twice,  but  thou  dost  not  know 
him  as  I  do,"  said  the  count,  "  who  desire  for  him  the  hap- 
piness which  I  have  never  had  myself,  and  perchance 
never  will  have.  Thou  knowest  that  in  the  last  years  of 
my  dear  father's  life,  —  God  rest  his  soul !  — the  weight 
of  the  earldom  lay  more  upon  my  shoulders  than  upon 
his.  He  sent  me  hither  and  thither  upon  weighty  busi- 
ness ;  my  youth  was  soon  over,  and  my  head  so  filled  with 
engrossing  matters  that  the  heart's  rights  were  lost  sight 
of.  And  since  his  death,  as  the  oldest  of  us  six  Regen- 
steins,  all  the  weight  of  affairs  rests  upon  me.  When 
do  I  have  rest  or  peace?  One  conflict  is  hardly  over, 
before  I  am  driven  into  another  ;  with  foes  everywhere,  I 
must  be  as  watchful  as  a  warder  in  his  tower ;  always  in 
harness,  alwa37s  in  the  saddle,  always  in  danger,  I  must 
think  for  all,  and  act  for  all ;  in  short,  do  everything  but 
rest  and  dream.  And  yet,  I  would  not  have  it  otherwise. 
I  am  used  to  the  life  !  A  knight  and  a  soldier  must  I 
remain,  helping  others  whenever  possible,  while  yet 
standing  my  own  ground ;  and  come  weal  or  ill,  my 
brothers'  happiness  is  my  first  object. 

As  he  spoke  thus,  Jutta's  gaze  was  riveted  upon  him  ; 
while  her  ears  drank  in  every  word,  and  a  happy,  peace- 
ful feeling  stole  over  her.     This,  then,  was  the  cause  of  his 


THE  ROB  HER  COUNT.  95 

silence,  his  delay,  —  be  had  no  time  for  love.  It  seemed 
as  if  what  he  had  said,  he  had  said  intentionally,  to  con- 
sole her  and  to  deprecate  her  impatience.  She  determined 
within  herself  that  she  would  never  be  overbearing  with 
him  again,  but  strive  to  ameliorate  his  hard  life  by  every 
means  in  her  power,  and  adhere  to  him  faithfully  with 
quiet  devotion,  till  better  days  should  come. 

She  was  silent  for  a  time,  after  he  ceased  speaking, 
though  she  could  not  repress  a  look  of  gratitude  for 
having  revealed  to  her  something  of  his  inmost  feel- 
ings. 

Presently  she  inquired,  in  a  tone  of  genuine  sympathy, 
"  Is  there  any  prospect  of  this  union  taking  place?" 

The  count  shruo<red  his  shoulders.  "  It  is  that  which 
troubloth  me.  The  young  countess  surroundeth  herself 
with  such  observance  of  modesty  and  reserve,  that  while 
she  winneth  all  hearts,  she  keepeth  all  at  a  distance." 

Modesty  and  reserve,  which  won  all  hearts  !  Was  he 
thinking  of  her  own  bold  and  passionate  nature? 

"  Is  she,  then,  as  exceedingly  beautiful  as  Florencius 
declareth  ?  "  she  asked. 

"  I  can  hardly  call  the  pale  lily  exceedingly  beautiful," 
answered  Albrecht,  smiling  ;  "  but  there  is  a  gentle  grace, 
an  indescribable  charm  about  her ;  every  movement  of 
her  slender  figure,  the  tone  of  her  voice,  and  the  earnest- 
ness of  her  clear  blue  eyes  seem  to  inspire  silent  adora- 
tion." 

Jutta  listened  to  this  description  with  growing  uneasi- 
ness. The  bad  spirit  which  had  but  just  been  exorcised, 
began  again  to  assert  itself.  A  maiden  was  only  thus 
portrayed  by  one  who  —  and  this  was  the  man  who  had 
no  time  for  love  ! 

"Art  thou,  then,  so  sure,  Count  Albrecht,  that  they 
love  one  another  ?  " 


96  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

"  My  brother's  ardent  love  for  Ocla  is  beyond  all  doubt, 
and  he  is  untiring  in  his  efforts  to  show  it,  by  acts  of 
knightly  devotion.  But  I  have  no  proof,  as  yet,  that  she 
returneth  his  love." 

11  Perhaps  another  hath  won  her  heart?  " 

Jutta  asked  this  question  with  eagerness,  turning  a 
searching  look  upon  the  count. 

"  I  know  not,  my  lady,  and  I  hope  not,"  he  answered, 
fervently. 

"She  is  thy  captive,  Count  Albrecht.  Wouldst  thou 
oblige  her  to  wed  thy  brother,  if  she  —  if  thou  shouldst 
find  that  she  loveth  another?" 

"  My  lady  !  How  canst  thou  ask  such  a  question  ?  To 
force  the  gentle  maiden  against  her  will !  Never !  But 
I  know  that  true  love,  which  lasteth  for  aye,  is  of  slow 
growth,  like  the  oak." 

"  What  dost  thou  know  about  it  ?  "  asked  she. 

Albrecht  was  silent,  struck  by  her  question,  his  own 
words  suddenly  appearing  to  him  in  a  strange  light. 

"  Count  Albrecht !  give  me  the  countess  !  She  is  safer 
with  me  than  with  thee." 

Jutta  spoke  so  imperiously,  looking  at  him,  moreover, 
with  a  half-anxious,  half-threatening  gaze,  that  he  could 
not  help  distrusting  her. 

He  shook  his  head,  and  said,  slowly  and  resolutely, 
"  Nay,  my  lady!" 

"  I  will  cherish  her  as  one  destined  for  thy  brother," 
urged  Jutta.  "  I  will  consider  her  before  all  others,  and 
fulfil  every  wish  of  her  heart.  Thou  canst  come  here 
with  thy  brother  as  often  as  thou  wishest,  and  Siegfried 
shall  see  Oda  alone.  They  can  converse  as  freely  as  we 
do,  and  no  one  shall  interfere  with  them." 

The  count  again  shook  his  head,  without  speaking. 

"  Thus  Count  Hoyer  will  be  satisfied,  and  thou  canst 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  97 

arrange  matters  with  him  in  peace  and  friendliness.  The 
bishop  will  have  no  pretext  for  threatening  thee,  and  I 
will  do  all  in  my  power  to  secure  to  Oda  her  rightful  in- 
heritance, even  if  I  have  to  appeal  to  the  Emperor." 

Jutta's  cheeks  flushed,  and  her  voice  slightly  trembled. 

"  I  thank  thee,  my  lady  ;  thy  trouble  would  be  useless  ; 
the  quarrel  must  be  settled  with  the  sword,  and  I  trust 
speedily  and  finally." 

Jutta  looked  displeased,  but  tried  to  control  herself. 

"Consider,  Sir  Count;  is  it  suitable  that  a  maiden 
should  sojourn  at  Regenstein,  among  all  ye  men?  Here 
with  us  is  the  place  for  a  high-born  young  gentlewoman. 
What  canst  thou  say  against  that  ?  " 

"  She  hath  her  young  waiting- woman  with  her,"  replied 
Albrecht. 

"An  excellent  duenna,  by  my  troth!  And  this  satis- 
fieth  the  noble  maiden,  with  her  modesty  and  reserve  ! 
But  I  had  supposed  a  Countess  of  Falkenstein  to  have 
more  sense  of  what  is  becoming  than  to  tarry  of  her 
own  choice  in  a  lonely  fortress,  protected  only  by  men 
against  —  I  know  not  what,  except  unwelcome  inter- 
ference." 

"And  who  bath  told  thee,  my  lady,"  cried  the  count, 
rising,  "  that  she  tarries  of  her  own  choice  with  men  in  a 
lonely  fortress  ?  " 

"Ah  !  "  cried  Jutta,  likewise  rising  ;  "  so  thou  detainest 
her  by  force?  —  onty  from  pity,  from  love  for  thy  brother, 
and  that  thy  brother  may  win  a  well-dowered  bride. 
How  I  envy  thy  brother  such  a  loyal  ally  !  Thou  canst 
answer  nothing.  Therefore,  I  say  to  thee  again,  let  me 
have  the  countess,  and  let  thy  brother  woo  her  here  with 
all  honor,  or  else  what  must  I  think?  There  is  no  reason 
for  holding  her ! " 

A   stormy  light  gleamed   in    Count    Albrecht's   eyes. 


98 


THE  ROBBER   COUNT. 


"  Think  what  thou  wilt  for  me,"  said  he  ;  UI  shall  do  as  I 
choose,  and  if  it  doth  not  please  thee,  my  lady,  I  cannot 
help  it.  The  Countess  Oda  cometh  not  here  !  And  now 
I  bid  thee  farewell,  till  thou  art  in  a  softer  humor  !  " 
And  with  clanking  steps  he  departed,  swung  himself  into 
the  saddle,  and  rode  straightway  to  the  castle  of  Gers^ 
dorf. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  99 


CHAPTER  XII. 

All  the  way  to  Gersdorf  the  vehement  words  of  the 
abbess  rang  in  Count  Albrecht's  ears,  u  Let  me  have  the 
countess  ;  there  is  no  reason  for  holding  her  !  " 

No  reason?  Had  he  not  given  her  reasons  enough? 
Had  he  not  said  that  Oda  was  safer  at  Regenstein  than 
anywhere  else?  Yet,  if  fighting  began  between  the 
Regensteins  and  the  bishop's  faction,  no  more  unfavorable 
abode  could  be  found  for  her,  and  he  thought  with  anxiety 
of  exposing  the  maiden  to  the  terrors  and  dangers  of  war. 
She  would  assuredly  be  safer  at  the  castle  of  Quedlinburg, 
under  the  protection  of  the  princely  abbess,  who  had 
promised  to  cherish  her ;  for  what  Jutta  promised,  she 
performed. 

But  Siegfried  !  how  would  he  fare  without  his  beloved  ! 
Jutta's  words  promised  well,  but  he  and  Oda  could  not  be 
so  untrammelle  1  at  the  castle  of  Quedlinburg,  under  the 
eye  of  the  abbess,  as  on  the  rocky  heights  of  Regenstein, 
or  in  the  solitude  of  the  neighboring  forest.  He  feared, 
likewise,  that  at  the  convent  they  would  be  no  nearer  the 
union  which  Albrecht  so  ardently  desired  for  them. 

And  he  himself!  could  fa  make  up  his  mind  to  let  Oda 
go?  Her  presence  in  the  castle  was  like  a  continual,  ever- 
renewed  miracle,  which  the  spring  had  brought  as  its  most 
beautiful  gift;  or  had  she  brought  the  spring,  which, 
after  the  dreary  winter,  had  never  seemed  so  sweet  and 
so  sunny  as  now?  Since  the  death  of  the  mother,  no 
chatelaine  had  lived  at  Regenstein,  commanding  respect 
from  man  and  maid,  such  as  a  soldier,  like  Count  Albrecht, 
does  not  require.     He  was  satisfied  if  they  did  their  duty 


100  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

in  fortress  and  field,  and  obeyed  his  behests  ;  for  the  rest, 
he  was  not  exacting. 

But  now  a  noble  maiden,  nominally  a  prisoner,  but 
treated  as  mistress,  lived  among  them  as  if  in  her  own 
home ;  climbed  to  the  summit  of  the  rocks,  where  her 
slender  figure  might  often  be  seen  against  the  sky,  or 
moved  here  and  there  like  the  good  genius  of  the  place, 
bringing  peace  and  happiness  to  all. 

And  this  guardian  spirit  Count  Albrecht  was  required 
to  banish !  Never !  Her  voice  sounded  in  his  ear  like 
the  song  of  the  wood-thrush,  her  morning  greeting 
brightened  the  day,  and  when  she  withdrew  at  its  close 
her  good-night  seemed  like  a  benediction. 

But  he  always  thought  of  Oda  and  Siegfried  together. 
They  had  become  so  united  in  his  mind,  that  he  could  not 
think  of  them  separately.  He  was  sure  that  this  marriage 
would  bring  happiness  to  both,  and  he  desired  it  as  much 
for  the  gentle  girl  who  had  so  soon  become  endeared  to 
him,  as  for  his  beloved  Siegfried,  whom  he  had  seen  grow 
from  boyhood  to  manhood. 

The  interview  with  the  abbess  had  irritated  him,  and  it 
disquieted  him  still.  Surely  she  suspected  that  he  kept 
possession  of  the  3'oung  countess  on  his  own  behalf ; 
that  he  loved  her,  and  wished  for  her  himself.  He 
and  Oda  !  The  pale  lily  as  his  wife  !  What  a  wild  and 
wondrous  thought !  Such  a  possibility  had  never  dawned 
upon  him,  even  in  his  dreams,  and  surely  never  to  the  in- 
nocent girl ;  only  Jutta's  fantastic  jealousy  could  have 
originated  such  a  conceit ! 

A  greater  contrast  could  not  be  imagined  than  that  be- 
tween these  two  women  now  under  his  protection.  That 
Jutta  von  Kranichfeld  loved  him  passionately  he  could 
not  fail  to  see,  and  he  was  used  to  her  caprices,  which 
changed  like  the  winds  and  waves ;  a  creature  now  all 


THE  ROBBER  CO  I 'XT:-  101 

warmth  and  sunshine,  then  on  a  sudden  fierce  and  stormy  ; 
her  love,  however,  always  shining,  even  through  the  clouds. 
Her  impetuous  nature  half  repelled,  half  attracted  him. 
He  would  not  be  wooed  and  won  ;  he  would  do  the  wooing 
himself,  whether  it  were  a  hostile  citadel  or  a  haughty 
beauty.  Resistance  allured  him  whenever  he  met  it,  but 
in  this  case  it  was  he  who  resisted.  And  yet  at  times  he 
was  tempted  to  wed  this  proud  creature,  subdue  her  way- 
ward will,  and  change  her  stormy  passion  to  quiet  con- 
stancy and  self- forgetting  love.  The  strong  right  hand, 
though  used  to  wielding  the  sword,  was  surely  capable  of 
tender  caresses,  and  the  lips  accustomed  to  command, 
could  yet  learn  to  please  a  lady's  ear.  Of  what  manner 
of  woman  should  his  wife  be  ?  A  submissive  child,  smooth- 
ing his  brow  with  gentle  hand,  reading  his  thoughts  in  his 
eyes,  and  regarding  his  words  as  the  highest  earthly  wis- 
dom ;  or  one  of  a  spirit  to  match  his  own,  with  indepen- 
dent mind  and  will  ready  to  fight  for  him,  if  need  be,  and 
to  stand  by  his  side  in  every  danger.  Such  a  woman  as 
this  sat  in  the  old  imperial  palace  of  Quedlinburg,  only 
waiting  for  him  to  say,  u  Come  !  " 

Absorbed  in  his  reflections,  Count  Albrecht  reached  the 
fortress  of  Gersdorf,  and  as  the  warder  on  the  ramparts 
greeted  him  with  a  loud  blast  of  the  horn,  his  dreams  of 
love  flew  away  like  frightened  birds.  He  rapidly  rehearsed 
in  his  mind  what  he  had  to  say  to  Gunther,  and  then  it 
occurred  to  him  that  he  had  quite  forgotten  to  speak  to 
the  abbess  about  Lauenburg.  On  his  way  to  Quedlinburg 
he  had  determined  to  ask  her  to  put  him  in  possession  of 
the  stronghold,  for  he  much  preferred  to  hold  it  lawfully 
in  fief,  than  to  take  it  by  force  ;  but  he  must  have  it,  in 
any  event,  and  there  was  danger  in  delay. 

It  was  now  too  late  to  remedy  his  oversight.  He  could 
not  return  with  his  request  to  the  abbess,  after  the  inter- 


1:02  :  'T-ilS-  li'OBBER  COUNT. 

view  which  had  just  taken  place.  Therefore  he  adhered 
to  his  first  plan,  of  which  he  had  informed  Bernhard 
through  Siegfried  ;  namely,  to  storm  the  castle  of  Lauen- 
burg. 

He  acquainted  Gunther  with  what  had  taken  place  at 
Regenstein,  and  gave  him  detailed  instructions.  The 
assault  was  to  be  made  by  the  garrisons  of  Gersdorf  and 
Gunteckenburg  under  Albrecht's  command,  a  large  force 
not  being  needed.  Guuther  should  be  notified  as  to  the 
time,  and  under  cover  of  darkness  would  march  with  his 
followers  to  a  certain  point,  where  Albrecht  agreed  to 
meet  him. 

Gunther  promised  faithfully  to  carry  out  his  brothers 
orders.  The  latter  again  mounted  his  horse,  and,  accom- 
panied by  his  silent  squire,  rode  back  to  Regenstein  as 
rapidly  as  possible.  Siegfried  had  told  Oda  of  the 
errand  upon  which  he  was  bent,  and  proposed  to  her  to 
walk  with  him  to  Heimburg,  having  the  horses  sent  after 
them,  so  that  they  could  ride  back,  to  which  Oda  willingly 
agreed. 

They  accordingly  s^t  out,  but  she  was  silent  and  ab- 
stracted. She  plucked  a  flower  here  and  there  as  they 
walked,  and  answered  her  companion's  remarks  in  a 
friendly  but  absent-minded  manner.  Finally  she  asked, 
arranging  her  flowers  the  while,  — 

<;  Where  hath  Count  Albrecht  ridden  to-day?  " 

"  To  Quedlinburg,  to  see  the  abbess,"  replied  Siegfried. 
"  Be  not  alarmed  !  Thou  dost  not  think  he  hath  gone  to 
make  arrangements  for  sending  thee  to  the  convent? 
Albrecht  hath  no  such  intention." 

"  But  the  abbess  sent  her  scrivever  hither  to  request 
him  to  do  so." 

u  That  will  be  of  no  avail,"  laughed  Siegfried.  "  No 
one  can  withstand  my  brother,  not  even  the  abbess,  who 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  103 

formerly  possessed  some  influence  over  him.  Thou  dost 
not  know  her  ?  " 

"  Nay,"  said  Oda  ;  "  dost  thou?  " 

"  Yea,  surely.  She  is  beautiful,  and  as  proud  as  a 
queen,  and  hath  the  power  of  winning  hearts  as  she 
will." 

"  I  would  fain  si  e  her,"  said  Oda,  half  to  herself. 

"  Thou  needst  only  say  so  to  Albrecht,"  he  answered, 
11  and  he  will  gladly  take  thee  to  visit  her.  Yet  I  will  go 
with  thee  likewise,  to  make  sure  the  abbess  doth  not  hold 
thee  fast." 

Oda  sighed  softly,  and  was  silent. 

"  Thou  art  not  happy,  Countess  Oda,"  began  Siegfried, 
after  a  pause  ;  "  doth  anything  distress  thee?" 

Oda  shook  her  head. 

" 1  must  try  to  fulfil  my  brother's  charge,"  he  continued. 
"Albrecht  bade  me  enliven  thee,  and  seek  to  win  thy 
favor." 

"Was  that  thy  brother's  order?"  asked  Oda. 

"Yea,"  replied  Siegfried,  smiling  ;  "  but  such  a  cnarge 
was  not  needed  ;  and  he  further  said,  '  Thou  must  be  her 
friend  and  consoler,  Siegfried  !  It  is  my  wish !  '  And 
when  Albrecht  saith,  '  It  is  my  wish,'  there  is  nothing 
to  do,  Countess  Oda,  but  to  obey  ;  but  I  have  begun  right 
stupidly." 

Oda  laughed,  and  answered,  without  embarrassment, 
"Thou  art  my  friend  and  consoler  already,  Count  Sieg- 
fried." 

"  Am  I  so,  indeed?"  he  asked,  with  a  beaming  counte- 
nance. 

"  I  am  thy  brother's  captive,  and  must  obey  him,"  said 
she  ;  "  but  it  is  very  easy  to  do  his  bidding,  and  I  will  help 
thee  to  follow  his  instructions,  so  that  we  shall  not  fall 
into  disgrace,"  she  added,  with  a  roguish  look. 


104  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

"  Now  thou  lookest  blithesome  !  I  have  cheered  thee, 
as  Albrecht  wished." 

They  were  now  at  the  foot  of  the  hill,  and  slowly 
ascended  the  steep  pathway  to  Heimburg. 

Countess  Reginhild  received  them  with  hearty  greeting, 
and  while  the  brothers  talked  over  Albrecht's  message, 
she  chatted  with  Oda  in  the  balcony.  The  latter,  who 
had  been  cut  off  from  all  intercourse  with  women  of  her 
own  station  for  weeks,  gave  herself  unreservedly  to  the 
enjoyment  of  the  sprightly  conversation,  during  which 
Reginhild  cautiously  tried  to  discover  how  her  guest  felt 
toward  Siegfried.  Oda  fell  innocently  into  the  snare,  and 
soon  her  quick-witted  interlocutor  learned  more  than  she 
bargained  for. 

Siegfried  and  Oda  remained  the  whole  day  at  Heimburg, 
and  the  four  en^ed  a  cheerful  meal  together,  Reginhild 
being  alone  somewhat  quiet  and  thoughtful. 

Toward  evening  her  guests  rode  back  to  Regenstein  on 
the  horses  which  had  been  brought  over  for  that  purpose. 

When  they  had  gone,  Bernhard  said  to  his  wife,  "  A 
charming  maiden !  And  I  heartily  wish  our  fair-haired 
boy  good  fortune,  but  —  I  have  a  foreboding  that  there  is 
trouble  in  store  for  him  !  " 

Reginhild  nodded  gravely,  but  said  nothing. 

"  Thou  also  feelest  as  I  do,"  continued  Bernhard.  "  Is 
it  not  so?" 

"  Yea,  but  I  have  reason.  I  have  made  a  strange  dis- 
covery." 

"  And  pray  what  is  it  ?  " 

"  I  believe  that  Countess  Oda  loveth  —  not  Siegfried, 
but —  Albrecht." 

"  Albrecht !  Albrecht !  "  said  her  husband  in  amazement. 
"  Hath  she  told  thee  this?" 

"  Nay  ;  but  to  me  it  is  as  clear  as  the  day." 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  105 

"Oh J  Hilde!  Hilde  !  "  cried  Bernhard,  "I  could  cud- 
gel that  Bock  for  bringing  the  maiden  to  Regenstein  !  " 

"  Blame  not  the  poor  child  !  "  said  Reginhild,  pityingly  ; 
11  her  case  is  bad  enough." 

u  Why  doth  she  not  goto  the  abbess,  at  Quedlinburg, 
where  she  belongeth  ?  " 

"They  will  not  let  her  go,"  his  wife  answered.  "  One 
keepeth  her  in  a  spirit  of  defiance,  and  the  other  from 
love." 

"  Is  it  possible  that  he  knoweth  it?"  asked  Bernhard. 

"  Albrecht?  I  think  not.  He  hath  no  idle  time  ;  and, 
moreover,  he  hath  not  £yes  for  such  things.  But  what 
will  become  of  Siegfried,  when  he  seeth  his  anticipated 
happiness  vanish  like  a  dream  [ " 

Count  Bernhard  sighed.  "  We  have  all  been  spared 
such  troubles  as  these,"  he  said.  "  Among  all  our  feuds 
and  fighting  with  foes,  we  have  never  had  bitter  heart- 
struggles  amongst  ourselves." 

And  he  gazed  gloomily  after  the  light-hearted  pair,  as 
they  rode  away  down  the  hill. 


106  TEE  ROBBER  COUNT. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

Before  the  door  of  the  ale-house,  in  the  village  of 
Erkstedt,  not  far  from  Halberstadt,  under  a  wide-spread- 
ing linden,  sat  a  man  of  most  unprepossessing  appear- 
ance. 

He  was  a  small  hunchbacked  fellow,  with  gray  hair  and 
a  somewhat  distorted  face,  whose  crafty  expression  was 
increased  by  the  man's  extraordinary  squint. 

His  brown  jerkin  was  soiled  and  patched,  and  his 
close-fitting  leather  hose  shone  with  a  doubtful  lustre. 
Near  him,  upon  the  bank,  lay  an  old  knapsack,  filled  with 
Heaven  knows  what ;  and  before  him,  upon  a  rough  table, 
was  a  stone  jug  filled  with  beer.  It  was  late  in  the  after- 
noon, but  if  it  had  been  early  in  the  morning,  the  beer-jug 
would  not  have  been  wanting,  for  Hinze  Habernack  suf- 
fered continually  from  fiery  thirst,  which  it  was  very  diffi- 
cult to  extinguish. 

For  miles  around  Halberstadt  he  was  known  by  young 
and  old,  and  earned  his  bread  in  many  ways.  He  called 
himself  a  leech,  and  treated  sick  cattle  as  well  as  human 
beings  by  means  of  herbs,  salves,  and  strange  compounds  ; 
he  knew  of  a  remedy  for  every  wound,  earned  messages, 
managed  all  sorts  of  crooked  business,  and  finally  prac- 
tised the  black  art. 

He  was  more  feared  than  liked  ;  and  though  he  was 
often  sent  for  in  case  of  need,  every  one  was  more  glad 
to  see  him  go  than  come,  as  he  was  considered  a  danger- 
ous tale-bearer,  who," for  money,  was  ready  to  do  almost 
anything.     Though  he  tried  to  play  the  part  of  a  frank, 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  107 

honest  fellow,  no  one  trusted  him,  and  yet  no  one  dared 
openly  to  denounce  him,  for  he  was  said  to  have  powerful 
supporters. 

A  mysterious  shadow  hung  over  his  past.  He  was  born 
in  Sautesberg,  and  had  wandered  about  a  good  deal.  It 
was  rumored  that  he  had  crimes  upon  his  conscience,  and 
that  his  indirect  vision  was  somehow  connected  with  his 
moral  obliquity.  As  he  played  tricks,  and  found  his 
greatest  pleasure  in  practical  jokes,  he  was  nicknamed 
Schabernack,  though  he  would  not  submit  to  this  cog- 
nomen from  every  one. 

He  sat  now  under  the  blooming  and  fragrant  linden, 
waiting  for  Bock  von  Schlanstedt.  Nothnagel  and  Hasen- 
bart,  two  of  the  *•  Wicked  Seven,"  who  at  Bock's  com- 
mand had  ridden  in  search  of  this  old  fox,  had  unearthed 
him  at  last,  and  informed  him  of  the  knight's  wish  to 
see  him,  whereupon  the  vagrant  had  appointed  as  a 
rendezvous  the  ale  house  at  Erkstedt. 

It  was  not  Bock's  custom  to  keep  any  one  waiting,  but 
to-day  he  was  surely  very  unpunctual,  and  Hinze  Haber- 
nack,  having  already  eaten  his  supper,  lost  patience  and 
resolved  to  tarry  no  longer.  When  he  had  emptied  the 
stone  jug  for  the  third  time,  he  rapped  loudly  upon  the 
table,  as  a  summons  to  the  host,  who  soon  made  his 
appearance. 

"Another  jugful,  Hinze?"  asked  Peter  Riibenstreit. 

*•  Nay,  I  am  going,  for  he  cometh  not,"  answered  the 
other.  "  Bring  me  the  reckoning,  Peter.  I  will  pay  thee, 
for  1  know  thou  never  cheatest  me." 

"Oh,  let  it  stand  !  "  said  the  host,  who  was  used  to  this 
formula  from  his  guest,  who  had  never  yet  paid  him  a 
penny.     "  I  will  take  it  out  of  the  others." 

'•  That 's  right !  Do  so,"  laughed  Hinze  ;  "  and  if  that 
footpad,  Bock  von  Schlanstedt,  should  come  along,  tell 
him   I   am   at  his  service   in   all  reasonable  things,  but 


108  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

Hinze  Habernack  is  not  to  be  made  a  fool  of,  and  if  he 
wants  anything  of  me  — " 

"Hark!"  interrupted  the  host;  "  hearest  thou  noth- 
ing?    There  they  come,  now  !  " 

He  was  right,  for  at  this  moment  Bock  and  Nothnagel 
came  trotting  up  the  village  street. 

"  Well,  old  fellow,  not  hanged  yet?  "  cried  the  former, 
dismounting.  "  I  have  heard  nothing  of  thee  for  a  long 
time." 

"  Thou  hast  come  just  in  time,"  answered  Habernack  ; 
M  a  moment  later,  and  I  should  have  been  gone." 

"  Then  we  should  have  ridden  after  thee,  and  fetched 
thee  back,"  observed  Bock,  while  Nothnagel  tied  the 
horses,  and  drew  up  two  stools  to  the  table,  upon  which 
they  seated  themselves  opposite  the  old  man.  Peter  Riiben- 
streit  brought  out  three  fresh  beer-jugs,  and  then  withdrew. 

"  Thy  noble  lord,  who  beareth  the  stag's  antlers  on  his 
shield,  understandeth  the  chase  well,,,  sneered  Hinze ; 
"  not  even  gentlewomen  are  spared." 

"If  thou  revilest  my  lord,  Schabernack,  I  will  make 
short  work  of  thee  !  "  exclaimed  Bock,  starting  up. 

"  Thou  great  jack-in-the-box  !  "  said  the  old  man,  look- 
ing at  him  askew  ;  "I  knew  thee  when  thou  wert  a  stupid 
peasant  lad  in  thy  father's  farm-yard." 

"  What  art  thou  looking  at  me  for?  "  snarled  Nothnagel ; 
"  my  father  hath  no  farm-yard." 

"  I  never  meant  thee,  fool !  "  Habernack  cried. 

To  Bock  this  unexpected  reference  to  his  origin  was 
very  vexatious,  but  he  could  not  help  laughing  at  Noth- 
nagel's  indignation,  due  to  Hinze's  obliquity  of  vision, 
and  as  he  desired  a  service  from  the  latter,  he  thought  it 
expedient  to  assume  a  milder  tone. 

"Softly,  old  man!"  said  he,  soothingly.  "Come, 
come,  drink  with  us  !  " 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  109 

All  three  thereupon  clinked  glasses  and  drank. 

11  Now  tell  me,  what  wouldst  thou  of  me?"  began  the 
vagrant,  wiping  his  mouth,  and  leaning  back  against  the 
trunk  of  the  linden. 

"  Hinze,"  said  Bock,  confidentially,  as  he  moved  closer 
to  the  old  man,  "  how  goeth  it  with  our  most  reverend 
father,  the  bishop?  Thou  art  one  who  canst  hear  the 
grass  a-growing." 

Habernack  looked  askance  at  the  knight,  as  he 
replied,  — 

81  Speak  out,  Bock  von  Schlanstedt!  I  cannot  see  the 
whole  sky  through  my  fingers  !  " 

"  Well,  then,  we  have  a  neighborly  dispute  to  settle 
with  the  bishop,  and  —  " 

88  And  now  shivers  run  down  the  back,"  jeered  the  old 
man,  •*  because  tl.ou  hast  heard  that  he  is  calling  his 
forces  together.  But  ye  need  not  trouble  yourselves  ;  he 
doth  not  mean  to  attack  ye." 

88  He  goeth  into  Swabia,  doth  he  not?  To  Falken- 
stein?" 

"  To  Swabia,  but  not  to  Falkenstein,"  answered  Haber- 
nack.    "  To  Aschersleben." 

44  To  Aschersleben?" 

81  Yea.  The  Princess  Elizabeth,  Otto's  widow,  by  birth 
Margravine  von  Meissen,  will  wed  Count  Friedrich  von 
Orlamiinde,"  Habernack  explained;  "and  she  desireth 
the  blessing  of  the  church.  This  can  be  had  most  easily 
by  resigning  to  it  the  city  of  Aschersleben,  which  the 
bishop  coveteth.  Young  Elizabeth  is  willing,  because  she 
cannot  give  up  her  Friedel,  but  the  city  may  object  to 
being  under  the  crosier,  and  in  that  case  the  bishop  will 
seize  it  with  an  armed  hand." 

UA  city  for  a  gold  finger-ring!  One  might  as  well 
give  a  horse  for  a  peppercorn  !  "   laughed  Bock.     "  We 


110  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

three  are  to  be  praised  for  our  wisdom.  We  have  neither 
wife  nor  child,  and  would  not  so  much  as  pick  up  a  shoe- 
nail  for  the  glance  of  a  wench's  eye  !  " 

"Nay,  nay,  Sir  Bock!"  said  Hinze  ;  "I  know  one 
who  hath  always  been  a  favorite  with  the  women  ! " 

"What!  thou  old  good-for-nought !  "  exclaimed  Bock. 
"  Am  I  a  woman-killer?  " 

"I  did  not  say  so,  master,"  answered  the  old  man, 
slyly  ;  "  but  I  meant  thee,  nevertheless  " 

Bock  twisted  his  long  mustache  complacently,  nothing 
averse  to  such  a  reputation,  and  proceeded  to  question  the 
vagabond  further. 

"  So,"  he  began,  "  Schabernack,  my  good  fellow,  how 
soon  will  the  bishop  make  this  expedition  against  Ascher- 
sleben?" 

"  Oh,  not  for  some  time  yet.  I  have  only  heard  a  little 
bird  whistle  that  something  is  in  the  wind." 

"  How  many  horsemen  and  how  many  foot-soldiers  will 
he  bring  into  the  field?"  asked  Bock,  not  misled  by 
Habernack's  vague  way  of  speaking. 

"  How  should  I  know?  Am  I  his  lieutenant?  But  I 
will  seek  for  more  particulars,  and  the  information  will 
be  worth  more  to  the  '  Wicked  Seven  '  than  all  the  oats 
their  horses«eat  out  of  other  folks'  cribs." 

"  If  thou  wilt  open  thy  squinting  eyes  as  wide  as  thou 
dost  thy  crooked  mouth,  thou  canst  not  fail  to  get  all  the 
information  we  need.  And  thou  must  bring  it  to  us 
speedily." 

"I  have  the  same  disposition  as  of  yore,"  was  the 
answer. 

"  Thou  shalt  be  well  rewarded,"  Bock  replied. 

Habernack  shook  his  gray  head,  and  said,  with  a  grin,  — 

"Master  Bock,  the  world  is  the  world,  and  will  ever 
remain  the  world,  as  long  as  it  lasteth.     A  mass  must 


THE  BOBBER  COUNT.  Ill 

always  be  paid  for  beforehand,  and  I  am  the  bishop's  sub- 
ject.    How  much  shall  I  have?" 

"  I  have  nothing  to  give  you  myself,  but  Count  Albrecht 
is  no  haggler.     Therefore,  do  not  fear,  but  go  to  work." 

"  What  would  ye  know?  " 

"If  the  bishop  hath  his  eye  likewise  on  Falkenstein  ; 
also  what  his  forces  are,  and  how  much  assistance  he  will 
give  the  Blankenburgs  against  us." 

"The  Blankenburgs?"  asked  Habernack,  listening 
attentively.     "  Have  ye  quarrelled  with  them,  too?  " 

"  As  though  thou  didst  not  know  that !  " 

"  Yea,  I  knew  it,"  said  the  old  fox,  —  which  was  a  lie  ; 
1 ■  but  when  do  they  intend  marching  against  ye  ?  I  heard 
it  was  to  be  soon." 

"  So  at  least  they  threaten.  It  is  on  account  of  Lauen- 
burg,  which  must  be  ours." 

"  Then  the  abbess  will  give  it  to  ye?" 

"  Or  we  take  it  ourselves,"  added  Bock. 

"  Or  ye  take  it  yourselves,"  repeated  the  old  man,  con- 
cealing his  pleasure  and  astonishment.  "  But  the 
Wernigerodes  will  join  them  against  ye,"  he  went  on, 
insinuatingly. 

"  And  half  a  dozen  others,"  added  Bock,  not  seeing 
that  he  was  giving  Habernack  information,  instead  of  the 
reverse. 

"  I  verily  believe  that  ye  are  growing  chicken-hearted," 
jeered  the  old  man. 

"  Say  not  so,"  cried  the  other,  angrily,  "  or  something 
will  tickle  thy  crooked  back,  so  that  thou  wilt  not  be 
able  to  stand  upright  for  three  days  !  " 

"  Threaten  me  not,  Bock  von  Schlanstedt !  I  will  do 
what  I  can  to  bring  thee  all  the  intelligence  thou  wishest. 
Hut  forget  not  what  thou  hast  promised  me,  Sir  Knight. 
I  am  a  poor  old  man,  who  hardly  earneth  his  bread,  and 
must  soon  depart  —  " 


112  THE  JiOBBER  COUNT. 

"  When  thou  hast  drank  thyself  to  death,  thou 
meanest,"  interrupted  Bock.  "  We  have  all  had  enough 
for  to-day.  The  monks  of  Huysburg  brew  strong  beer, 
and  I  will  not  help  thee  on  thy  downward  track.  Thou 
knowest  all,  Hinze.  Let  me  see  thee  soon,  or  send  me 
word  where  to  meet  thee." 

"  I  will  come  to  Regenstein  myself,  if  ye  will  let  me  out 
of  your  mouse-trap  again  with  a  whole  skin,"  said  Haber- 
nack. 

"  Have  no  fear.  We  can  use  thee  better  elsewhere.  I 
promise  thee  a  safe  exit." 

Thereupon  he  arose,  called  the  host,  and  paid  the  reck- 
oning for  the  three,  while  Nothnagel  tightened  the  horses' 
girths.  Habernack  squinted  at  Bock's  small  leather  purse, 
in  which  little  enough  was  to  be  seen  ;  then  he  slung  his 
knapsack  over  his  back,  shook  hands  with  the  others,  and 
went  silently  on  his  way. 

Bock  swung  himself  with  youthful  agility  into  the  saddle. 
Nothnagel  also  mounted  his  bony  mare,  and  Peter  Ruben- 
streit  bowed  low  to  his  departing  guests,  who  had  so  ques- 
tionable a  reputation,  but  who  for  all  had  paid  him  honestly. 

The  expression  of  Nothnagel's  scarred  and  weather- 
beaten  face,  with  the  dark  gray  hair  hanging  down  under 
his  helmet,  was  sullen,  as  he  rode  by  the  side  of  the 
knight,  who  sat  as  upright  on  his  horse  as  if  returning 
from  victory. 

"  Nothnagel,"  said  he,  after  a  pause,  "  we  contrived  to 
worm  much  information  out  of  old  Schabernack." 

"  H'm  !  To  my  dull  wits,  it  seemeth  as  if  he  had  learnt 
more  from  us  than  we  from  him.  He  now  knoweth  every- 
thing, and  we  know  nothing." 

"Nothnagel,  thou  dost  not  understand,"  said  Bock, 
loftily.  "Thou  hast  not  the  natural  gift,  as  I  have,  of 
putting  two  and  two  together,  and  drawing  conclusions." 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  113 

Upon  this  he  put  spurs  to  his  horse,  and  trotted  on  a 
little  ahead.  His  comrade,  however,  did  not  agree  with 
the  knight  as  to  the  manner  in  which  he  had  executed  his 
important  mission. 

Count  Albrecht*  s  opinion  coincided  with  Nothnagel's, 
when  Book  made  his  report  in  the  evening,  and  boasted  of 
what  he  had  drawn  out  of  Habernack. 

"  Drawn  out?  "  repeated  the  count,  angrily.  "  Let  out, 
thou  meanest,  all  that  the  old  fox  needeth  to  know.  Bock, 
I  am  not  pleased  with  thee  !  " 

With  lowered  crest  the  knight  crept  away,  and  it  grad- 
ually dawned  upon  him  that  the  crafty  old  man  had  ex- 
tracted particulars  from  him  which  he  only  feigned  to 
know,  that  he  mbht  lead  Bock  on  further,  and  it  was  for 
this  that  he  had  piid  Habernack's  score  ! 

"But  I  will  remember  it  against  the  old  rascal,  and 
Nothnagel  is  a  sheep's-head  not  to  have  given  me  a  hint : 
for  what  else  did  I  take  the  stupid  churl  ?  " 

The  only  news  which  Count  Albrecht  learnt  from  Bock 
was  the  design  of  the  bishop  upon  Aschersleben,  which 
purpose  it  was  now  too  late  to  thwart.  This  new  stroke 
of  the  enemy  vexed  him  sorely,  as  it  would  establish  the 
bishop's  power  in  Swabia,  and  assist  him  in  the  acquisi- 
tion of  Falkenstein,  but  he  resolved  to  take  no  step  which 
might  delay  the  marriage  of  the  Princess  Elizabeth  with 
the  Count  von  Orlamunde,  as  they  were  both  valued 
friends. 

The  following  morning  Hinze  Habernack  stood  before 
the  bishop  of  Halberstadt,  and  repeated,  word  for  word, 
all  that  Bock  had  unwittingly  betrayed.  The  former  was 
gratified  to  hear  of  the  feud  between  Count  Albrecht  and 
the  Blankenburgs ;  his  continued  efforts,  therefore,  had 
not  been  without  result. 

"  Whence  hast  thou  thy  knowledge?"  he  asked. 


114  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

"  Reverend  sir,  I  smelt  the  meat  roasting,"  was  the 
reply  ;  "  and  I  have  been  creeping  about  Regenstein  till  I 
could  catch  and  sound  the  count's  followers,  one  by  one. 
My  scanty  savings  have  thus  flown  away  I  had  to  decoy 
the  churls  to  the  ale-house  to  discover  all,  my  lord." 

"  I  understand,"  laughed  the  bishop,  taking  a  handful 
of  silver  from  a  chest,  and  putting  it  into  the  old  man's 
hand.  "Come  again,  when  thou  hast  further  tidings  for 
me.     There  is  more  for  thee  in  the  chest." 

Habernack  crept  out  backwards  like  a  crab,  with  many 
bows,  and  once  in  the  street,  he  carefully  counted  his 
reward. 

"  I  wonder  who  payeth  best,  the  count  or  the  bishop," 
he  chuckled  to  himself  ;  "  but  that  I  will  see  by  bleeding 
them  both ! " 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  115 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

Bock's  careless  blabbing  to  Habernack  angered  Count 
Albrecht  sorely,  for  he  had  no  doubt  that  the  bishop  as 
well  as  the  Blankenburgs  would  soon  know  of  his  project 
to  seize  Lauenburg,  and  unite  to  throw  all  possible 
obstacles  in  his  way.  Now  he  could  no  longer  leave  his 
cousin's  threatening  letter  unanswered,  and  to  make  his 
reply  more  emphatic,  he  determined  to  carry  it  himself. 

He  summoned  the  garrisons  of  Heimburg,  of  Wes- 
terhausen  and  Derenburg,  and  of  Benzingerode  and 
Bornecke,  to  appear  the  following  day,  and  uniting  them 
with  the  whole  force  at  Regenstein,  he  rode  to  Blanken- 
burg  at  the  head  of  this  considerable  body  of  troops,  with 
his  brothers  Bernhard  and  Siegfried.  The  poorly  defended 
village  was  occupied,  the  castle  surrounded,  and  Albrecht 
and  Bernhard  demanded  admission,  after  instructing 
Siegfried  to  assault  the  castle  and  set  the  hamlet  on  fire 
if  after  entering  they  should  signal  to  him  from  above, 
o.  if  within  an  hour  they  should  not  appear. 

Under  the  circumstances,  an  entrance  was  soon  granted 
the  two  counts,  though  their  reception  by  the  Blanken- 
burgs, father  and  son,  was  anything  but  friendly. 

44  We  are  aware  that  we  owe  our  cousins  an  answer, 
and  for  a  better  understanding  have  brought  it  ourselves," 
began  Albrecht,  as  he  and  Bernhard  entered  the  hall. 
44  Ye  and  your  associates  have  objected  to  our  holding 
Gersdorf  unless  we  assist  ye  to  obtain  Lauenburg.  Are 
ye  still  of  the  same  mind  ?  " 

44  We  are,  in  good  sooth!"  answered  Count  Berthold, 
shortly,  a  thick-set,  sturdy  man,  with  a  defiant  air. 


116  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

44 1  would  fain  induce  thee  to  think  differently,  cousin," 
said  Albrecht.    "  Gersdorf  is  ours,  and  Lauenburg  will  be." 

u  That  remaineth  to  be  seen,"  Berthold  replied. 

' 4  What  have  ye  to  do  with  Gersdorf  ? "  continued 
Albrecht ;  ' '  and  why  do  ye  desire  a  fortress  belonging  to 
the  chapter  ?  " 

44  Gersdorf  was  long  since  promised  to  us,"  asserted 
the  other. 

44  By  whom?"  Albrecht  asked;  "  by  the  bishop,  who 
hath  nought  to  do  with  it,  and  who  wished  ye  to  become 
his  train-bearers,  and  to  make  common  cause  with  him 
against  us  at  his  pleasure  ;  to  set  ye  on,  as  dogs  are 
set  upon  the  wild  boar." 

44  The  comparison  is  not  altogether  a  bad  one,  cousin," 
laughed  Count  Berthold.  4*  Thou  art  wild  and  savage 
enough." 

44  Thou  shalt  feel  my  tusks,  gentle  cousin ! "  growled 
Von  Regenstein.  "But  first,  I  will  ask  thee:  once  for 
all,  wilt  thou  be  friendly,  or  art  thou  determined  to  be  at 
enmity  with  us  ?  " 

' '  We  must  have  Gersdorf  or  Lauenburg  !  "  exclaimed 
the  lord  of  Blaukenburg. 

4 'And  verity  I  say  ye  shall  have  neither!"  cried 
Albrecht,  striking  the  table  vehemently  with  his  mailed 
hand.  "Extort  all  thou  canst  from  the  bishop,  but  do 
not  cross  my  path,  or  I  will  pluck  out  thy  best  feathers !  " 

44  To  do  that  requireth  two, —  one  who  plucketh,  and  the 
other  who  alloweth  himself  to  be  plucked,"  answered 
Berthold,  stubbornly. 

44  Cousin,  take  back  thy  challenge  !  "  exclaimed  Albrecht, 
menacingly. 

44  Nay  !  nay  !  nay!  " 

44  Good  !  Then  look  at  this  !  "  and  Albrecht  drew  from 
the   hunting-pocket,  which   hung   at   his   belt,    a   folded 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  117 

parchment,  and  an  inkhorn  and  reed  pen.  l '  Thou  hast 
scared  us  at  such  a  rate  with  thy  letter  of  defiance  that 
thou  must  needs  recompense  us  a  little.  Here  is  a  deed 
of  sale  of  thy  fortresses  of  Allrode,  Stiege,  and  Has- 
selfelde  ;  they  lie  midway  between  Lauenburg  and  our 
own  Elbingerode  and  Botfeld,  and,  therefore,  I  need 
them." 

Count  Berthold  laughed  grimly. 

"  Oh,  it  is  a  true  deed  of  sale  !  I  will  pay  thee  down," 
Albrecht  assured  him,  drawing  a  heavy  purse  from  his 
hunting-pocket,  which  jingled  as  he  threw  it  on  the  table. 
"  Thou  shalt  not  say  the  robber  count  hath  plundered 
thee.  Here  are  two  thousand  gold  marks.  Take  them, 
and  sign  the  deed." 

uTwo  thousand  marks!"  repeated  Count  Berthold, 
scornfully.     "  The  fortresses  are  worth  that,  fourfold." 

"If  thou  settest  the  price,"  laughed  Albrecht;  "but 
this  time  I  set  it,  and  what  is  lacking  thou  canst  consider 
as  compensation  for  thy  letter  of  defiance." 

"This  is  robbery  of  thine  own  kinsfolk,"  cried  Ber- 
thold, wrathfully. 

"  Call  it  what  thou  wilt !  Thou  desireth  Lauenburg,  I 
'desire  the  fortresses ;  the  only  difference  is,  that  I  can 
accomplish  my  wish  and  thou  canst  not,"  returned 
Albrecht,  pushing  toward  him  the  inkstand  and  pen. 

"It  is  worse  than  robbery,  it  is  treachery,  which  we 
will  not  submit  to,"  interposed  the  young  count. 

"  Cousin  Rudolf,  thou  hadst  best  be  silent !  "  said  Count 
Bernhard,  approaching  him. 

u  Ye  seem  to  forget  that  ye  are  intruders  here,  Cousin 
Bernhard,"  observed  Berthold. 

"  Thievish  intruders  !  "  added  Rudolf. 

"  Be  still,  or  I  will  soon  silence  thee  !"  and  Bernhard 
raised  his  hand  threateningly. 


118  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

"  Call  us  foes  !  "  cried  Albrecht ;  "  ye  have  wished  it, 
ye  have  challenged  us,  and  those  who  defy  the  Regensteins 
must  suffer  for  it.  Sign  the  parchment ;  my  patience  is 
at  an  end." 

"  I  will  never  sign  it !  "  roared  Berthold. 

u  Bernhard,  go  to  the  window,  and  draw  the  sword  !  " 

Bernhard  did  as  his  brother  directed,  drew  his  sword, 
and  opened  the  window. 

"Siegfried  is  outside  with  eighty  men,"  said  Albrecht, 
turning  to  the  Blankenburgs  ;  "  one  motion  of  the  sword, 
and  your  castle  will  be  stormed,  and  with  the  hamlet 
burned  to  the  ground  !  " 

"Incendiaries  that  ye  are!"  exclaimed  Berthold. 

"  Write  !  "  thundered  Albrecht. 

"  Nay,  never  !  "  cried  the  other. 

Albrecht  beckoned  to  his  brother,  and  Bernhard  bran- 
dished the  sword  as  a  signal  from  the  window.  Loud 
cries  arose  from  below,  and  reverberating  blows  upon  the 
castle  gates  followed. 

"  Hasten,  before  the}-  break  in  !  Thy  small  force  will  be 
cut  down  before  thine  eyes  !  "  said  Bernhard. 

"  I  will  pay  thee  back  !  "  Berthold  shouted. 

"  Nay,  keep  the  gold  !  "  laughed  Count  Albrecht ;  "  it 
is  yours  ;  only  sign  the  deed  !  " 

The  cries  and  blows  grew  ever  louder.  The  castle 
gates  fell  in,  and  the  garrison  began  to  shoot  at  the 
assailants. 

"  The  hamlet  is  burning  !  "  exclaimed  Bernhard. 

Both  the  Blankenburgs  sprang  to  the  windows  ;  a  thick 
smoke  rose  from  below. 

"Sign,  father,"  whispered  the  son;  "they  are  in 
earnest." 

Berthold  went  to  the  table,  took  the  parchment  and 
signed  it  with  trembling  hand. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  119 

"  There  !  "  he  groaned,  throwing  the  pen  at  Albrecht' s 
feet,  with  hatred  in  his  eyes. 

While  Bernhard  beckor.ed  to  the  assailants  to  suspend 
hostilities,  Albrecht  folded  the  parehinent,  and  said,  as  he 
put  it  again  in  his  pouch,  — 

4 'The  fortresses  are  now  mine!  Any  trespassers 
caught  on  my  territory  will  stand  much  in  need  of  grace  ! 
Heed  that,  Cousin  Berthold !  And  now  we  will  hinder 
thee  no  longer  from  extinguishing  the  fire.  Come, 
Bernhard ! " 

As  the  Regensteins  turned  to  go,  Count  Berthold  called 
after  them  threateningly,  - 

44  We  will  soon  return  your  visit!  We  shall  come, 
never  fear,  cousin  robber  !  " 

A  loud  laugh  was  the  only  response. 

In  the  court-yard  Albrecht  drew  his  sword,  and  ordered 
that  the  gates  should  be  opened. 

The  soldiers  obeyed,  and  both  the  brothers  strode  out, 
and  mounting  their  horses,  joined  Siegfried,  and  rode  off 
at  the  head  of  their  men. 

The  opportunity  for  plunder  was  too  tempting  to  resist, 
and  some  of  the  soldiers  drove  before  them  a  number  of 
cattle,  without  any  attempt  on  Count  Albrecht's  part  to 
prevent  them. 

After  this  bold  stroke,  with  the  result  of  which  Count 
Albrecht  was  more  than  satisfied,  he  bethought  himself 
that  the  sooner  Lauenburg  was  now  secured,  the  better, 
and  he  concluded  to  attempt  it  three  days  later. 

When  the  appointed  morning  came,  all  was  stir  and 
bustle  at  Regenstein,  which  Oda  and  Eilika  failed  not  to 
observe,  as  both  Siegfried  and  Bock  were  especially  active, 
and  plainly  showed  by  their  behavior  that  something 
unusual  was  on  foot,  though  the  object  of  the  expedition 
was  carefully  concealed. 


120  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

For  two  days  after  her  sudden  confinement  by  Bock, 
Eilika  had  obstinately  held  herself  aloof,  feigning  not  to 
see  him  when  they  met.  But  she  could  not  hold  out 
against  his  polite  greetings,  or  preserve  utter  silence  when 
he  made  humorous  and  provocative  allusions.  Soon  she 
began  to  resume  her  former  friendly  tone,  and  they  in- 
dulged as  before  in  continual  amicable  skirmishing.  On 
this  particular  morning  Bock  made  himself  as  conspicuous 
as  possible,  running  hastily  hither  and  thither,  shouting 
out  his  orders,  and  glancing  constantly  at  the  upper  castle 
to  see  if  Eilika  were  not  secretly  watching  him.  When 
she  at  last  appeared  in  the  court-yard,  he  rushed  toward 
her,  brandishing  an  axe,  so  that  she  drew  back  in  alarm. 
With  a  solemn  face  and  disconnected  words,  he  spoke 
darkly  of  bidding  farewell  on  the  eve  of  bold  deeds,  bade 
her  think  of  him  the  following  night,  and  begged  her  to 
give  him  some  memento,  a  neckerchief  or  a  ribbon,  to 
charm  away  danger. 

"Thou  mayst  cut  off  a  lock  of  my  hair  with  thine  axe, 
Sir  Knight,"  laughed  she;  "but  beware  thou  dost  not 
hurt  me!" 

Bock  took  the  jest  for  earnest,  and  tried  the  edge  with 
his  thumb. 

"  Sutdiinkel !  "  he  cried,  with  an  important  air,  "  sharpen 
this  axe  for  me,  quickly  !  " 

"When  wilt  thou  return,  Sir  Knight?"  asked  Eilika, 
glad  to  have  the  dangerous  weapon  removed. 

"  Heaven  knoweth ! "  cried  Bock.  "Give  me  one 
parting  kiss,  dear  maiden  !  Perchance,  it  may  be  the 
last,  as  it  will,  alas,  be  the  first ! "  and  he  caressed  his 
long  mustache  as  he  spoke. 

The  girl  screamed,  turned  and  fled,  while  Bock  looked 
after  her  in  dismay,  like  one  who  sees  a  captured  bird  sud- 
denly slip  through  his  fingers. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  121 

In  the  course  of  the  afternoon  the  "Wicked  Seven" 
left  Regenstein,  but  not  together,  or  at  the  same  time. 
They  rode  off  at  different  hours  and  by  different  ways. 

After  their  departure,  quiet  seemed  to  settle  down  upon 
Regenstein.  Eilika  had  little  faith  in  the  doughty  deeds 
of  her  adorer,  and  the  perils  to  which  he  had  alluded. 
Oda,  on  her  side,  read  in  Siegfried's  glances  a  secret 
trouble  which  she  could  not  interpret.  She  could  not 
attribute  his  melancholy  to  fear,  for  he  knew  not  what 
the  word  meant ;  she  therefore  conjectured  that  this 
serious  undertaking  was  to  decide  the  fate  of  the  Regen- 
steins.  She  little  suspected  that  Siegfried's  feeling  was 
altogether  due  to  his  distress  at  leaving  her.  If  the 
assault  were  successful,  and  Lauenburg  fell  into  their 
hands,  Albrecht  had  directed  that  Siegfried  should  remain 
as  governor  of  the  fortress,  who  would  thus  be  parted 
from  Oda  indefinitely. 

In  the  afternoon  he  bade  her  farewell,  with  difficulty 
hiding  his  emotion,  but  he  said  nothing  to  her  of  a  pro- 
longed separation.  He  was  to  meet  Bernhard  and  ride 
with  him  to  the  monastery  of  Wendhusen,  which  was 
under  the  sway  of  the  abbess. 

Albrecht  himself,  who  was  to  follow  them  in  the  even- 
ing, remained  till  then  with  Oda. 

He  climbed  with  her  to  a  stone  seat  which  stood  upon 
an  eminence,  whence  they  had  a  wide  view  over  forest  and 
plain  to  the  distant  mountains. 

Deep  stillness  reigned  in  the  castle,  save  that  now  and 
again  subdued  sounds  rose  faintly  from  below.  It  seemed 
good  to  Oda  to  be  here  alone  with  Albrecht,  and  she  could 
have  lain  her  head  like  a  child  upon  the  shoulder  of  the 
stalwart  man,  in  happy  security  and  confidence. 

With  her  admiration  for  him  was  united  a  slight  feeling 
of  awe.     Her  manner  was  one  of  gentle  submission,  and 


122  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

her  eyes,  when  they  rested  upon  his  face,  had  a  pleading 
expression  which  was  almost  pathetic. 

This  was  due  to  her  continual  regret  that  he  was  making 
enemies  on  her  behalf,  and  involving  himself  in  danger. 
Her  anxiety  had  increased  to  an  almost  unbearable  point, 
owing  to  the  unusual  note  of  preparation  and  to  Seig- 
fried's  mysterious  departure,  and  Oda  felt  that  she  could 
conceal  it  no  longer. 

"  Sir  Count,"  she  began,  hesitatingly,  "  I  am  filled  with 
uneasiness  when  I  think  of  the  difficulties  which  may  be 
threatening  thee.  I  fear  me,  thou  art  taking  some  serious 
step,  the  cause  of  which  is  my  sojourn  here.  1  pray  thee, 
tell  me,  if  thou  wilt,  what  thou  art  about  to  do,  for  the 
sake  of  my  peace  !  " 

Albrecht  looked  kindly  at  her,  and  said,  with  a  quiet 
smile,  "Why  shouldst  thou  fret  thyself,  Countess  Oda, 
because  we  soldiers  ride  out  and  seize  with  a  strong  hand 
that  which  we  would  have  ?  " 

"  Thou  ridest  not  out  on  the  highway,  to  plunder  like 
the  men-at-arms,  who  gain  their  livelihood  thus,"  she 
answered. 

"  Yet  dost  thou  not  know  what  they  call  me  throughout 
the  land?"  laughed  Albrecht.  "Am  I  not  the  robber 
count?" 

"  Nay,  that  art  thou  not,"  cried  she,  warmly.  "  Thy 
foes  so  call  thee,  but  the  poor  and  oppressed  whom  thou 
helpest,  remitting  their  tithes  and  rents,  they  bless  and 
praise  thee.  And  they  are  right ;  thou  doest  much  for 
others  ;  thou  take  st  nothing  for  thyself." 

"  I  thank  thee  for  thy  good  opinion,  but  thou  deceivest 
thyself,  sweet  maiden.  I  will  confess  to  thee  that  this 
very  night  we  would  take  a  fortress,  with  all  it  containeth." 

"  Falkenstein?  "  asked  she,  startled. 

"  Nay,  not  Falkenstein  this  time."    Then  pointing  to  the 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  123 

right  of  Quedlinburg,  ^Seest  thou  those  gray  walls  and 
towers  behind  the  wooded  hill  yonder?  That  is  Lauen- 
burg,  and  to-morrow  morning,  before  cock-crow,  it  must 
be  ours." 

Oda  looked  at  him  in  surprise.  "  Is  the  fortress  strong  ? 
Will  it  cost  thee  a  hard  fight?  " 

M  Fear  not,"  he  answered  ;  "  doubtless  we  shall  all  return 
alive.  The  worst  thing  that  will  befall  will  be  the  anger 
of  the  abbess,  for  the  stronghold  belongeth  to  her  convent, 
and  my  contest  with  her  will  be  more  severe  than  the 
attack  on  Lauenburg." 

44  But  thou  wilt  be  able  to  satisfy  her,"  said  Oda, 
troubled. 

"I  hope  so,"  he  answered;  "  her  vehemence  is  soon 
tempered  by  her  judgment.  She  is  a  clear-headed,  high- 
hearted woman  !  " 

Oda  apparently  assented,  but  said  nothing. 
"  We  always  quarrel  when  we  are  together,"  he  con- 
tinued.      "When  I  visited   her  recently,  thou  wert  the 
subject  of  contention." 

"  I !  "  exclaimed  Oda,  in  astonishment. 
"  Yea  ;  the  abbess  wished  to  have  thee  in  her  keeping, 
and  charged  me  with  holding  thee  here  by  force,  that  T 
might  thus  be  able  to  look  into  thy  beautiful  blue  eyes, 
and  have  thee  near  me." 

"  How  knoweth  she,  then  — "  Oda  did  not  finish  the 
hasty  question,  but  checked  herself  with  a  blush. 

"  That  thou  hast  blue  eyes  ?  "  cried  the  count.     u  I  told 
her  so  myself,  and  likewise  that  an  angel  of  love  and  peace 
had  taken  up  her  abode  at  Regenstein." 
"  Count  Albrecht !  "  said  the  startled  girl. 
"It  is  true,  dear  Oda  !  "  he  continued,  fervently,  while 
he  bent  down  and  took  her  hand  in  his. 

Oda's  heart  beat  faster,  and  her  hand  trembled 


124  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

"  And  the  bad  Jutta  would  not  believe  me.  '  Ask  my 
brother  Siegfried,'  I  said  to  her;  'he  knoweth  it  still 
better.'" 

Oda  tried  to  withdraw  her  hand,  but  the  count  would 
not  permit  it,  and  asked,  "Hath  Siegfried  told  thee  that 
he  may  remain  at  Lauenburg  ?  " 

"  Nay,"  she  replied,  quietly  ;  "  he  told  me  nothing." 

"I  have  so  arranged  it,"  said  he  ;  "  and  thou  wilt  have 
to  stay  with  me  here  alone  for  a  little." 

Oda's  heart  gave  a  bound,  but  she  replied,  "  Thou  wilt 
be  very  lonely  without  him,  Count  Albrecht." 

"With  thee,  dear  Oda?"  he  answered,  cheerily.  "I 
think  not." 

"  But  if  the  abbess  insisteth  upon  my  going  to  the  con- 
vent," she  asked,  shyly,  "  must  I  not  do  her  bidding?" 

11  Nay  ;  that  I  have  already  made  very  clear  to  her." 

"Wilt  thou  not  lose  her  favor,  if  thou  deniest  me  to 
her?" 

"  I  will  hazard  it,"  said  the  count,  rising  quickly. 

Oda  rose  also,  and  they  descended  the  hill  together. 

"  I  shall  see  thee  before  I  go,"  Albrecht  said,  as  she 
entered  the  castle,  and  he  went  to  the  stables.  In  the 
evening  he  ordered  that  food  should  he  brought,  and 
sent  to  ask  Oda  if  she  would  come  to  him. 

She  presently  appeared  and  sat  with  him  while  he  ate, 
the  better  to  prepare  himself  for  the  night's  work.  He 
was  fully  armed,  and  wore  a  tunic  over  his  shirt  of  mail. 
Finally  he  stood  up,  and  donned  his  helmet  and  steel 
gauntlets.  But  before  he  put  on  the  right  one,  he  took 
Oda's  hand  and  said,  "  Farewell,  Countess  Oda.  Sleep 
tranquilly.  Klinkhard,  the  armorer,  will  watch  over  thee, 
so  that  thou  needst  have  no  fear.  I  hope,  at  the  latest, 
to  return  to-morrow  evening,  and  I  assure  thee  I  shall 
gladly  do  so." 


TTIE  ROBnEH  COUNT.  125 

"Fare  thee  well,  Count  Albrecht,  and  may  God  protect 
thee,"  she  answered  with  emotion,  following  him  at  the 
same  time  to  the  court-yard,  where  he  swung  himself  into 
the  saddle,  and,  accompanied  by  Schadow,  rode  rapidly 
away. 

Once  upon  the  level  road,  he  put  spurs  to  his  horse,  and 
galloped  onward  impetuously,  so  that  Schadow,  on  his 
heavier  beast,  found  it  difficult  to  follow  him,  and  shook 
his  sober  head  at  his  master's  reckless  pace. 

Oda  climbed  again  to  the  stone  seat  and  listened.  The 
sound  of  the  horses'  hoofs  came  to  her  distinctly  through 
the  still  air,  and  gradually  died  away  ;  but  the  maiden 
continued  sitting  there  alone  with  her  thoughts  in  the 
gathering  darkness.  Everything  below  her  disappeared 
from  view ;  she  felt  as  if  lifted  above  the  earth,  while 
from  one  bright  star  overhead  a  ray  of  hope  seemed  to  fall 
upon  her. 


126  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

The  castle  of  Lauenburg  was  successfully  taken  by  the 
Regensteins,  the  negligence  of  the  garrison  and  the  condi- 
tion of  the  almost  dying  castellan  making  the  enterprise 
eas3T.  When  the  assailants  in  the  early  dawn  climbed  the 
steep  hill,  and  crept  to  the  fortress  through  the  trees  and 
bushes,  they  found  the  drawbridge  down,  and  the  watch 
so  s  >und  asleep  that  they  never  heard  the  resounding 
footsteps  which  crossed  it ;  no  challenge  followed,  and 
silence  reigned  within  the  gates. 

Count  Albrecht  accordingly  resorted  to  artifice.  He 
ordered  his  men  to  conceal  themselves  till  sunrise.  Then 
he  presented  himself  at  the  gate  with  his  brother  Bernhard, 
and  knocked  and  shouted,  whereupon  was  heard  at  last  a 
surly  response. 

u  How  long  do  ye  sleep  in  your  burrow?"  cried  Count 
Albrecht.     "It  is  not  far  from  mid-day.     Up  with  ye!" 

"  Who  is  there?"  sounded  from  within. 

"The  champion  of  our  gracious  lady  of  Quedlinburg, 
Count  von  Regenstein  !     Rise,  ye  sluggards  I  " 

"  Champion?  Ho  !  ho  !  we  must  make  sure  of  that !  " 
returned  the  watch. 

More  talking  was  heard  inside,  but  no  one  opened  the 
gate.  Presently  a  soldier  put  his  head  out  of  a  loophole 
in  the  tower,  but  drew  it  quickly  back  when  he  recognized 
the  two  counts  upon  the  drawbridge.  Within,  voices  were 
raised  in  altercation,  and  finally  the  bolts  were  drawn  back, 
the  careless  watch  having  forgotten  to  lower  the  portcullis. 

As  the  right  division  of  the  gate  was  cautiously  opened, 
the  two  counts  rushed  in  and  dealt  the  watch  such  vigor- 


T1IE  ROBBER  COUNT.  127 

ous  blows  with  their  mailed  gloves  that  the  men  staggered 
back,  too  much  stunned  to  use  their  weapons. 

"  Knaves  !  "  cried  Count  Albrecht.  "  Is  this  the  way 
ye  guard  the  fortress  of  the  lady  abbess?" 

His  followers  now  pressed  in  after  him,  and  laid  about 
them  sturdily.  The  watch  upon  this  set  up  a  loud  cry, 
and  fled  to  the  central  watch-tower,  but  the  pursuers  were 
close  at  their  heels,  and  pressed  in  with  them  before  the 
rest  of  the  garrison  could  make  any  resistance.  Suddenly, 
on  the  steps  appeared  the  tottering  figure  of  the  sick  old 
castellan  in  his  bed-gown,  a  drawn  sword  in  his  feeble 
grasp. 

Count  Albrecht  shouted  to  him,  — 

"Stay  where  thou  art,  Leutfried  !  We  are  the  Regen- 
steins ! " 

A  groan  was  the  old  man's  only  answer.  He  pressed 
his  left  hand  convulsively  to  his  breast,  and,  overcome  by 
the  shock,  suddenly  fell  forward  dead,  his  lifeless  body 
being  borne  back  to  the  bed  whence,  with  a  supreme 
effort,  he  had  for  the  last  time  just  arisen. 

All  resistance  was  now  at  an  end,  and  the  Regensteins 
were  in  full  possession  of  the  castle.  Count  Albrecht  or- 
dered food  for  his  men,  and  after  all  had  refreshed  them- 
selves, he  took  a  careful  survey  of  the  fortress,  the  result 
of  which  was  highly  satisfactory. 

44  See,  Siegfried!"  exclaimed  Giinther  ;  "  how  neigh- 
borly Gersdorf  looketh.  We  can  easily  signal  to  one 
another.  And  seest  thou  Halberstadt  there  behind?  I 
truly  believe  I  see  the  scaffolding  on  the  cathedral  towers. 
May  Heaven  bless  the  morning  pottage,  reverend  bishop, 
which  the  Regensteins  have  prepared  for  thee  !  " 

"And  there  to  the  left  towereth  Regenstein  beyond 
that  hill,  but  I  do  not  see  my  Heimburg,"  observed  Bern- 
hard. 


128  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

Siegfried  was  silent.  What  he  wished  to  see  was 
altogether  different,  far  dearer  to  him  than  the  whole 
Hartz  territory. 

Meanwhile,  Bock  mustered  the  little  garrison,  and  de- 
livered an  harangue  to  the  soldiers  who  had  been  too  lazy 
to  draw  up  the  bridge  or  lower  the  portcullis  ;  one  far 
from  nattering,  telling  them  they  deserved  to  be  hanged, 
beheaded,  and  broken  on  the  wheel,  and  that  they  ought 
to  thank  him  that  they  were  allowed  to  escape  with  broken 
heads,  and  would  soon  be  taught  the  true  duty  of  a 
soldier.-*  They  who  were  slumbering  at  their  post  in  the 
hour  of  attack  he  ordered  put  in  irons. 

Albrecht  gave  Siegfried  the  necessary  instructions, 
enjoining  upon  him  to  make  arrangements  for  Leutfried's 
honorable  interment,  and  while  bidding  him  farewell,  he 
quietly  asked  what  he  should  say  to  Oda. 

Siegfried  answered,  in  a  rather  melancholy  tone,  — 

"  From  the  watch-tower  I  can  see  Regenstein.  Wilt 
thou  say  to  Countess  Oda  that  I  will  mount  the  tower 
every  evening  at  sunset,  and  look  toward  Regenstein. 
If  I  could  know  that  she  were  sitting  on  our  stone  seat  up 
there  at  the  same  time,  looking  hitherward,  it  would  be 
a  comfortable  thought." 

Albrecht  promised  to  say  so  to  the  maiden,  and  thought 
of  his  own  conversation  with  her  yesterday  on  this  same 
seat. 

Count  Albrecht  only  retained  at  Lauenburg  the  ar- 
morer—  an  elderly  and  trusty  man,  a  hunter  who  knew# 
the  forest  thoroughly  —  and  Leutfried's  house  servants. 
He  took  the  whole  garrison  with  him,  dividing  the  soldiers 
between  Gunteckenburg  and  Gersdorf ,  and  left  a  number 
of  men  from  both  these  fortresses  with  Siegfried,  so  that 
the  force  at  Lauenburg  was  stronger  than  it  had  been 
before. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  129 

The  three  brothers  rode  off  at  the  head  of  their  little 
band,  promising  Siegfried  to  visit  him  soon,  and  the  latter, 
proud  of  his  new  responsibilit}',  though  sad  to  be  sepa- 
rated from  Oda,  stood  watching  them  as  long  as  they  were 
in  sight.  Giinther  returned  with  his  body  of  men  by  the 
nearest  route  to  Gersdorf,  while  the  others  rode  on  to 
Quedlinburg. 

"This  hath  been  child's  play,"  remarked  Albrecht  to 
his  brother  Bernhard ;  "if  every  place  I  desire  to  hold 
between  Oker  and  Bode  were  as  easy  to  obtain  as  Lauen- 
burg ! " 

"  Crave  not  more  to  rule  over,"  said  Bernhard  ;  "  but 
be  satisfied  with  what  we  have." 

u  To  wield  power  is  to  live,"  answered  the  elder,  with 
glowing  eyes;  "but,  Bernhard,  now  cometh  a  struggle 
indeed  !      Wilt  go  with  me  to  the  abbess?  " 

"  Dost  thou  fear  to  face  her  alone?  " 

"  By  my  soul,  I  think  I  do  !  "  said  the  other. 

"  I  would  gladly  accompany  thee,  but  I  believe  thou 
canst  mollify  her  best  by  thyself,"  laughed  Bernhard.  "  I 
will  await  thee  at  the  prior's." 

"Be  it  so!"  answered  Albrecht;  "but  forget  not  to 
say  a  benedicite  for  me  !  " 

"And  a  thanksgiving,  if  thou  returnest  with  thine  eyes 
in  thy  head  !  " 

"  And  a  deed  of  tenure  in  my  pouch,"  added  Albrecht. 

The  abbess  received  the  count  with  the  more  pleasure 
that  she  did  not  expect  him  so  soon.  After  their  angry 
fhterview,  which  she  immediately  regretted,  she  felt 
ashamed  of  her  jealousy  of  Oda,  which  she  had  so  plainly 
betrayed.  When  he  appeared  to-day,  therefore,  so  unex- 
pectedly, and  yet  so  longed  for,  her  heart  went  out  to 
meet  him,  and  she  resolved  that  he  should  not,  on  this 
occasion  at  least,  leave  her  in  anger. 


130  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

"  What  dost  thou  bring,  Sir  Count,  or  what  bringeth 
thee?"  she  asked,  with  a  smiling  face. 

"A  piece  of  news,  gracious  lady,  which  mayhap  will 
grieve  thee,  but  giveth  me  hope,"  answered  Count  Al- 
brecht,  with  some  constraint. 

"I  cannot  guess  thy  riddle,"  said  she,  cheerfully; 
' '  how  can  I  be  grieved  at  that  which  maketh  thee  hope- 
ful?" 

"  I  would  rather  the  conditions  were  reversed,  my  lady. 
In  a  word,  then,  —  Leutfried  is  dead." 

"  Well,"  she  replied  ;  "  thou  seest  I  am  not  overcome, 
and  if  thou  hast  not  killed  the  good  old  man,  I  will  par- 
don thee  for  bringing  me  such  tidings.  But  is  he,  then, 
dead,  surely?" 

"  As  surely  as  I  stand  living  before  thee  here." 

"Peace  to  his  ashes  !  "  said  Jutta.  "  Wilt  thou  not  be 
seated,  dear  Count?" 

"  Surely,"  he  replied,  seating  himself. 

"  And  now,"  continued  she,  —  "  now  we  must  bethink 
ourselves  of  a"  new  castellan  for  Lauenburg." 

"  Yea,  now  we  must  have  a  new  castellan,"  he  repeated, 
beginning  to  feel  uncomfortable. 

"Canst  thou  propose  any  one,  Count  Albrecht?"  said 
she,  mischievously. 

"I?  Nay  !  ■ —  that  is  —  gracious  lady,  it  is  thy  castle  ; 
thou  alone  must  decide." 

"  But  I  know  nothing  about  such  matters." 

"  And  I  know  only  too  well,"  thought  Albrecht,  as  he 
passed  his  hand  over  his  moist  brow. 

' '  I  may  need  no  castellan  in  future ;  the  chapter 
gaineth  naught  by  holding  Lauenburg,"  said  the  abbess. 

"  Then  give  it  to  some  one  in  fief :  one  who  can  defend 
it." 

"That   is   my  idea,  likewise ;  I  have   thought   of    the 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  131 

counts  of  Blankenburg,  who  have  offered  me  considerable 
inducement,"  Jutta  continued,  her  eyes  sparkling. 

But  Count  Albrecht  failed  to  notice  her  expression  in 
his  dismay.  "  The  Blankenburgs  ?  My  lady!  The 
Blankenburgs?" 

44  Yea;  why  not?" 

44  Thou  hast  promised  me  not  to  dispose  of  the  fortress 
behind  my  back  !  " 

"  And  am  I  not  doing  it  before  thy  very  eyes  ?  " 

11  Thou  wilt  never  dispose  of  it  thus!"  he  exclaimed, 
resolutely. 

44  Count  Albrecht!" 

44  Never  !  Never  !  The  Blankenburgs  are  my  enemies  ; 
the  enemies  of  thy  defender  must  be  thine  also !  " 

She  looked  at  him  for  a  moment,  and  then  stretching 
out  her  hand  to  him,  she  said,  heartily,  t4Thou  art  right! 
Thy  foes  are  my  foes  !  "  and  with  a  merry  laugh  she 
sprang  to  her  feet.  4'  Enough  of  this,  my  dear  lord  of 
Lauenbnrg  !  How  couldst  thou  think  for  a  moment  that 
I  would  give  the  castle  to  any  other  man  than  Albrecht 
von  Regenstein  ?  " 

Count  Albrecht  was  astonished  and  dazzled  by  the 
bewitching  grace  of  the  beautiful  abbess.  Surely  this 
was  easier  than  the  seizure  of  the  fortress.  How  useless 
had  been  his  fears  !  Oh,  that  Bernhard  could  witness  this 
interview  ! 

44  Gracious  princess,  receive  my  most  heartfelt  thanks  ! " 
he  cried,  warmly  grasping  her  hand. 

But  she  drew  it  back  with  a  charming  movement. 
44  Thou  must  ask  my  pardon  for  doubting  me.  Stay! 
Before  thou  thankest  me,  thou  must  first  make  thy  plea. 
I  have  never  yet  heard  a  prayer  from  thee,  and  I  would 
see  how  Count  Albrecht  appears  in  the  attitude  of 
entreaty." 


132  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

"  Gracious  Heaven  !  M  thought  Albrecht.  "I  must  sue 
for  the  castle,  while  Siegfried  holdeth  it  at  this  moment 
with  his  sixteen  men  !  "     But  there  was  no  help  for  it ! 

1  *  Noble  princess  and  most  gracious  abbess  of  the  free 
convent  of  Quedlinburg !  I  humbly  beseech  thee,  of  thy 
good  favor,  to  invest  me  with  the  fortress  of  Lauenburg  !  " 
said  Albrecht,  most  courteously. 

Whereupon  she  answered,  with  a  lofty  grace,  "  Most 
noble  Count !  we,  Jutta,  by  the  grace  of  God,  abbess  of 
Quedlinburg,  promise  and  vow,  by  virtue  of  a  written 
deed,  witnessed  and  sealed,  to  invest  thee  in  lawful 
enfeoffment  with  our  fortress  of  Lauenburg.  Rise,  my 
liegeman  !  " 

He  could  not  rise,  for  he  had  not  kneeled,  but  he  took 
her  hand,  and  pressed  his  lips  upon  it  with  courtly 
reverence,  saying,  lk  I  thank  thee  once  more,  gracious 
princess.' 

The  count  now  enjoyed  comparative  freedom,  but  it  was 
far  otherwise  with  his  conscience. 

The  abbess  then  rang  a  bell,  and  ordered  that  the 
scrivener  should  come  to  her. 

"  Florencius,"  said  she,  as  he  entered  the  room,  "  draw 
up  a  deed  of  enfeoffment  for  the  Count  von  Regenstein, 
granting  him  our  castle  of  Lauenburg." 

"I  have  one  already  prepared,  gracious  lady,"  an- 
swered Florencius,  with  an  air  of  satisfaction  ;  "  only  that 
the  name  of  the  noble  feudatory  is  lacking." 

"  Add  it  immediately,  thou  forecasting  scribe,  and  then 
bring  me  the  parchment  to  sign." 

Whereupon  Florencius  withdrew  to  execute  the  abbess's 
order. 

And  now  only  a  few  moments  would  intervene  before 
Count  Albrecht  became  the  lawful  master  of  Lauenburg. 
If  he  should  accept  the  document  from  Jutta's  hand  in 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  133 

silence,  the  matter  would  be  settled  beyond  recall  and 
with  most  unhoped-for  despatch  Possibly,  in  fact 
probably,  the  abbess  would  never  know  of  the  usurpation 
of  the  castle  before  the  investiture,  but  rest  in  the  belief 
that  he  had  acquired  it  in  a  legitimate  manner.  But  it 
would  be  abusing  her  confidence  were  he  not  to  confess 
that  he  had  already  taken  possession  of  the  fortress. 
Yet,  on  the  other  hand,  who  could  say  that  she  would 
then  be  willing  to  sign  the  deed?  Would  she  not  refuse 
to  sanction  such  an  arbitrary  act?  And  if  so,  such  a 
propitious  moment  as  this  could  never  return,  ami  the 
prospect  of  coming  to  any  amicable  agreement  with  the 
aggrieved  abbess  would  be  small  indeed. 

While  Count  Albrecht  was  thus  hesitating,  Florencius 
returned,  handed  Jutta  the  completed  document  and  again 
withdrew. 

The  abbess  spread  it  upon  the  table,  seated  herself  and 
took  the  pen. 

At  this  moment  the  count  approached  her  quickly,  laid 
his  hand  on  hers,  and  cried,  "  Stay,  my  lady  !  Hear  me, 
first ! " 

She  looked  up  in  surprise.  "Dost  thou  not  wish 
Lauenburg?"  she  asked,  laughingly. 

M  My  lady  —  I  have  it  already." 

"  Thou  meanest  that  my  word  is  sufficient?"  she  said. 

"  I  mean  that  early  this  morning  I  scaled  and  seized 
the  fortress." 

"Thou  hast  dreamed  it,  and  with  a  stroke  of  this  pen 
thy  dream  shall  be  fulfilled.  I  know,"  she  added,  "  how 
easy  and  natural  it  is  to  dream  what  one  longeth  for,  one 
possesseth." 

"  I  have  not  dreamed  it — I  have  done  it !  "  he  exclaimed, 
almost  impatiently.  "I  rode  to  Lauenburg  last  night, 
with  my  brothers  and  a  handful  of  troops,  attack c  1  and 


134  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

seized  the  castle.  I  would  have  thee  know  it  before  thou 
signest  the  deed." 

Jutta  threw  down  the  pen,  crying,  sharply,  "  Thou 
didst  slny  my  castellan?" 

"  Nay,"  answered  the  count ;  "  no  one  injured  him  ;  he 
died  of  the  shock.  And  it  was  time  that  he  died,  my 
lady  !  The  fortress  was  in  too  feeble  hands ;  the  draw- 
bridge was  down,  the  portcullis  was  up,  the  watch  asleep  ; 
upon  the  first  assault  it  might  have  fallen  into  any  hands." 

"  And  thou  knewest  it?  " 

"  Nay  ;  if  I  had,  I  should  have  told  thee,  or  taken  it 
sooner." 

11  And  thou  hast  truly  taken  it?  It  is  no  joke?"  she 
asked,  with  a  lingering  doubt  in  her  mind. 

"  In  good  sooth,  it  is  no  joke  !  I  have  assuredly  taken 
the  castle." 

Then  she  started  up,  and  stood  before  him  like  an 
enraged  lioness,  with  flaming  eyes.  Words  failed  her. 
She  strode  up  and  down,  as  though  she  did  not  see  him. 
Presently  she  stopped,  and  throwing  back  her  head,  ex- 
claimed, "Thou  hast  first  practised  treachery,  and  then 
played  me  a  miserable  trick.  It  is  shameful,  Sir  Count! 
Truly  shameful ! " 

"  Let  loose  thy  thunders,  and  when  thou  art  willing  to 
hear  me,  I  will  speak,"  answered  the  count;  and  leaning 
on  his  sword,  he  gazed  fixedly  out  of  the  window. 

"I  will  hear  nothing!"  cried  Jutta.  "Dost  think  I 
am  thus  to  be  trifled  with !  With  a  false  smile  on  thy 
lips,  thou  earnest  to  beg  for  something  of  which  thou  hast 
already  robbed  me  ;  stole  it  away  like  a  thief  in  the  night, 
when  I  have  been  for  a  year  looking  forward  to  the  pleas- 
ure of  bestowing  it  upon  thee  !  This  is  thy  chivalry, 
Count  von  Regenstein  !  " 

Albrecht  remained  silent  and  motionless. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  135 

iC Answer  me!  Callest  thou  this  chivalrous?"  she 
cried,  approaching  him. 

"  A  woman  cannot  understand  such  matters  !  "  returned 
the  count,  coolly. 

"  A  fine  answer  !     As  the  deed,  so  is  the  speech  !  " 

"  Presently  thou  wilt  praise  the  deed,"  replied  Albrecht, 
turning  toward  her.  u  There  was  danger  in  every 
moment's  delay  ;  only  in  this  way  could  I  keep  the  fortress 
for  thee.  I  acted  also  on  my  own  account ;  that  I  do  not 
deny,  for  it  was  necessary  for  my  security.  The  Blanken- 
burgs  coveted  it,  and  the  Quedlinburgers,  and  the  bishop 
is  spreading  his  nets  everywhere,  and  snatching  cities  and 
strongholds.  When  I  came  hither  the  last  time,  I  meant 
to  explain  it  to  thee,  but  I  could  get  no  opportunity  for 
rational  talk.  Then  I  thought,  '  What  need  of  longer 
waiting?  The  princess  doth  not  understand  the  matter, 
yet  she  will  be  glad  to  have  it  decided  for  her.' " 

"  And  so  thou  didst  act  the  part  of  the  robber  count," 
said  the  abbess,  bitterly.  "  There  was  a  time  when  thou 
thonghtest  differently ;  when  my  words  had  some  weight 
with  thee  ;  when  my  wishes  were  gratified,  and  thou  didst 
nought  that  I  disapproved.  If  thou  hast  forgotten  it,  I 
have  not.  What  shall  I  do  now?  Thou  hast  invaded 
rights,  which  I  must  and  will  guard.  Shall  I  quietly  let 
this  pass  ?  Never !  Not  even  from  thee !  Thou  art 
magistrate  of  the  province,  —  before  what  bar  shall  I 
summon  thee  ?  Thou  art  protector  of  the  convent,  —  who 
shall  protect  me  from  thee  !  Thou  wast  my  friend,  —  and 
now,  what  art  thou  but  a  foe? 

"  I  have  ever  sought  to  increase  thy  power,  but  thou 
art  insatiable.  I  have  trusted  thee  blindly,  and  believed 
my  prerogative*  safe  in  thy  hands.  For  thy  sake  I  broke 
with  the  bishop,  quarrelled  with  the  council  yonder  in  the 
city,  repulsed  the  counts  of  Blankeuburg,  and  closed  my 


lo6  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

eyes  to  the  disorderly  lives  of  the  monks  of  Wiperti.  .  But 
nil  in  vain  !  Thou  hast  accepted  all,  and  then  laughed  at 
thy  soft-hearted,  credulous  friend  behind  her  back  ;  this 
is  the  thanks  I  get !  " 

i;  Art  thou  now  ready  to  hear  me?"  asked  the  count. 

u  I  am  now  read}'  to  order  the  evacuation  of  Lauenburg 
this  very  day  !  Not  one  of  your  men  must  remain  within 
its  walls  !  " 

Count  Albrecht  shook  his  head.  "  I  have  given  the 
new  castellan  very  different  orders,  —  to  let  no  one  but 
our  men  enter  the  gates  !  " 

"  And  pray,  who  is  the  new  castellan?" 

"  My  brother  Siegfried." 

"Thy  brother  Siegfried!"  Again  the  abbess  threw 
back  her  head,  and  darting  a  quick  glance  at  Albrecht, 
she  said,  haughtily,  "  And  Countess  Oda  is  with  him?  " 

The  blood  rushed  to  the  count's  face,  as  he  answered, 
bluntly,  "  My  lady,  hast  thou  lost  thy  reason?" 

u  Where  is  Oda?"  she  continued,  sharply. 

u  At  Regenstein  !     Where  else  should  she  be?" 

The  abbess  laughed  a  scornful  laugh,  saying,  "I  have 
sense  enough,  Sir  Count,  to  penetrate  this  manoeuvre. 
Thou  couldst  not  wait  to  get  possession  of  my  castle  by 
fair  means,  so  anxious  wert  thou  to  find  a  place  for  thy 
dear  brother,  who  was  one  too  many  for  thee  at  Regen- 
stein. Oh,  it  is  a  famous  plot !  But  does  thy  brother 
acknowledge  his  debt  of  gratitude  for  what  thou  hast  done 
for  him?" 

The  count's  blood  boiled,  but  controlling  himself  with 
•an  effort,  he  replied,  "  Gracious  lady,  what  is  done  is  done  ; 
to-morrow  thou  wilt  feel  differently.  Let  us  now  at  least 
declare  a  truce,  and  perchance  thou  mayst  even  be  will- 
ing to  set  thy  princely  hand  to  this  deed  of  tenure  !  " 

On  this  the  abbess  stepped  to  the  table,  took  the  parch- 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  137 

incut,  and  approaching  the  count,  with  a  sudden  motion 
violently  tore  it  through  the  middle,  threw  the  pieces  at 
his  feet,  and  cried,  "  So  much  for  your  deed  ;  this  is  my 
answer !  " 

And  then,  what  should  Count  Albrecht  do  but  suddenly 
throw  his  arms  around  her,  with  a  kind  of  restrained  fury, 
holding  her  so  that  she  could  not  move,  and  exclaiming, 
k4  Beauteous  art  thou,  my  noble  lady,  in  thy  wrath  ;  and 
fast  as  I  hold  thee  now,  I  will  hold  thy  Lauenburg,  deed 
or  no  deed  ;  and  so  pledge  I  my  faith  as  thy  liegeman  ! '» 
Then,  before  she  could  collect  herself,  he  impressed  a  quick 
kiss  upon  her  brow,  and  as  quickly  releasing  the  amazed 
lady,  lightly  said,  "Farewell,  till  we  meet  again!"  and 
hurried  away,  shutting  the  door  after  him  with  resounding 
force. 

The  abbess  stood  as  one  paralyzed,  trying  to  breathe, 
to  think.  At  last,  collecting  herself  with  difficulty,  she 
rang  for  her  waiting- woman,  and  ordered  that  Master 
Willekin  von  Herrkestorf,  the  chancellor  of  the  chapter, 
should  be  summoned  immediately. 

Meanwhile,  in  the  cool  refectory  of  the  St.  Wiperti 
monastery,  Bernhard  and  Bock,  with  the  fat  friar  and  two 
monks,  sat  comfortably  around  the  table,  waiting  for 
Albrecht,  who,  after  a  considerable  interval,  entered  the 
room. 

"  God  bless  thy  going  out  and  thy  coming  in,  Sir 
Count !  "  said  the  prior,  rising. 

Count  Bernhard  said  nothing,  but  looked  inquiring!}'  at 
his  brother. 

"  Nay,"  said  Albrecht,  answering  the  look,  and  shaking 
his  head.     u  Come,  let  us  ride  on,  now." 

But  the  monks  begged  him  to  remain  and  partake  of 
refreshment,  which  he  finally  consented  to  do,  giving  him- 
self for  the  moment  to  good-fellowship,  and  putting  away 


138  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

from  him  his  late  strange  encounter  with  the  abbess.  But 
he  did  not  linger  long  ;  he  soon  set  off  with  Bernhard,  fol- 
lowed by  Bock  and  his  six  comrades.  On  the  road  he  told 
his  brother  all  that  had  occurred,  except  the  manner  of  his 
parting  with  the  abbess.  "  But  no  matter,"  he  concluded  ; 
4i  what  we  have  we  keep,  and  I  am  ready  to  hazard  any- 
thing I  possess  that  the  sun  will  not  set' seven  times  upon 
her  wrath.  Moreover,  I  know  how  to  obtain  the  deed  of 
feudal  tenure  on  the  morrow." 

4 'The  offer  of  a  gold  ring,  mayhap?"  asked  Bernhard, 
jokingly. 

44  Nay,"  replied  Albrecht ;  "  Countess  Oda  is  the  coveted 
object  for  which  she  will  grant  me  anything." 

"Give  her  up,  Albrecht!  Thou  canst  not  keep  the 
maiden  alone  at  Regenstein  with  thee." 

4 4  Why  not  ?  "  asked  the  elder  brother,  with  a  frown.  4 4 1 
have  promised  her  my  protection,  and  I  will  not  leave  her 
without  it." 

44  Have  a  care,  Albrecht,"  pleaded  Bernhard;  44  our 
foes  are  increasing  by  reason  of  this  maiden,  and  I  fear 
a  hard  struggle  is  in  store  for  us." 

44  Yea;  doubtless  we  shall  soon  have  fighting  enough," 
returned  Count  Albrecht. 

44  If  thou  wilt  not  surrender  her  to  the  abbess,  let  her 
come  to  us  at  Heimburg,  and  be  under  Reginhild's  care," 
urged  Bernhard. 

44  Nay,"  answered  the  other,  shortly  and  sharply  ;  44  she 
remaineth  where  she  is,"  and  spurred  on  his  horse  so  im- 
patiently that  Bernhard  could  not  fail  to  notice  it,  and 
draw  his  own  conclusions. 

When  they  reached  Regenstein,  they  observed  upon  the 
summit  of  the  rocks  a  figure  waving  a  scarf  to  them  in 
friendly  greeting.  It  was  Oda.  Both  the  brothers  saw 
her,  but  neither  made  any  observation,   though  a  smile 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  139 

came  upon  Albrecht's  face,  as  he  returned  her  salutation. 
Bernhard,  on  the  other  hand,  appeared  not  to  notice  it, 
but  looked  down  with  an  air  of  annoyance.  The  brothers 
separated  at  the  foot  of  the  hill,  after  a  brief  farewell,  but 
neither  felt  satisfied  with  the  other. 

In  his  impatience,  Albrecht  urged  his  horse  up  the  steep 
incline  so  that  it  panted  for  breath,  and  was  so  hot  when 
his  master  rode  him  into  the  stable,  that  Schadow  could 
hardly  refrain  from  speaking,  it  was  so  contrary  to  the 
count's  custom. 

One  was  hidden  from  view  on  the  slope  of  the  hill  by 
the  trees,  so  that  Oda  only  knew  of  Albrecht's  arrival  by 
the  blast  of  the  warder's  horn. 

She  hurried  down,  and  near  the  foot  of  the  rocks  she 
met  Count  Albrecht  coming  toward  her.  There  she  stood 
still,  to  recover  her  breath,  with  rosy  cheeks  and  shining 
eyes. 

"  Siegfried  sendeth  thee  greeting,  Countess  Oda," 
began  Albrecht,  as  he  offered  her  his  hand;  "  and  every 
evening  at  sunset  he  will  stand  on  the  watch-tower  at 
Lauenburg  and  beckon  hither,  and  he  would  fain  thou 
shouldst  stand  on  our  rock  and  wave  a  salutation  in 
return." 

Instead  of  answering,  Oda  asked,  quickly,  "  Art  thou 
wounded,  Count  Albrecht?  " 

Albrecht  laughed.  "I  have  neither  given  nor  received 
wounds.  My  sword  hath  remained  in  its  sheath  ;  we  have 
captured  the  castle  without  bloodshed." 

"  Hast  thou  also  seen  the  abbess?  " 

M  I  have,  in  good  sooth." 

"  And  how  did  ye  part?" 

M  To  speak  truly,  the  parting  was  somewhat  stormy," 
answered  the  count,  with  a  peculiar  intonation ;  "  but  I 
trust  we  shall  soon  be  friends  again." 


140  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

They  had  slowly  descended,  and  now  met  the  old  house- 
keeper. 

"  Let  me  have  something  to  eat,  Ursula,"  Albrecht 
called  to  her  ;   "  I  am  hungry." 

"  Wilt  thou  not  take  off  thine  armor?"  asked  Oda. 

"  In  that  case  I  must  leave  thee,"  he  said,  smiling, 
"  and  I  have  been  away  all  day." 

"  I  will  wait,"  she  said,  slightly  blushing  ;  "  and  mean- 
time Ursula  will  get  ready  our  supper." 

"  Our!    Hast  thou  not  already  eaten?  " 

"  Nay,"  she  answered  ;  "  I  waited  for  thy  return." 

His  eyes  rested  upon  her  for  a  moment,  and  then  he 
said,  "I  will  be  with  thee  speedily,"  and  went  to  his 
room. 

The  sun  had  now  sunk  nearly  to  the  top  of  the  Brocken, 
and  the  watch-tower's  shadow  lay  quite  across  the  court- 
yard. Oda  paced  to  and  fro,  absorbed  in  her  own 
thoughts. 

When  the  count  entered  his  chamber,  he  saw  that  some 
one  had  been  there  before  him.  His  clothing,  armor, 
weapons,  and  belongings  of  all  kinds,  which  usually  lay 
in  confusion,  were  now  in  order,  each  in  its  proper  place. 
As  Count  Albrecht  looked  about  him  he  frowned  at  the 
unauthorized  invasion,  till  a  small  jug  of  wild  flowers 
caught  his  e}re,  which  stood  beside  his  inkhorn  on  the 
table.  No  one  could  have  put  it  there  but  Oda.  She  had 
indeed  gathered  these  flowers  and  placed  them  in 
Albrecht's  room  ;  at  the  same  time,  like  a  good  fairy, 
putting  everything  to  rights.  It  was  she  who  had  been 
thinking  how  to  please  his  eye  ;  it  was  her  hand  which 
had  moved  this  knife,  the  spurs,  and  the  old  law-book, 
and  which  had  finally  arranged  this  fragrant  little  nose- 
gay to  crown  the  work. 

Albrecht  took  it  in  his  hand,  gazed  at  it,  and  put  it 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  141 

back  where  Oda  had  placed  it.  Now  again  he  surveyed 
the  chamber,  but  with  a  smile,  as  if  pleased  with  its  air 
of  cheerful  neatness,  and  a  feeling  of  peaceful  content 
reign-,  d  in  the  breast  of  the  man  who  had  just  taken  a 
fortress  from  a  sovereign  ruler,  and  openly  defied  her 
anger.  He  laid  aside  his  armor,  but  instead  of  throwing 
it  down  at  random,  he  carried  it  to  his  sleeping-room,  and 
clothed  himself  in  a  close-fitting  woollen  tunic.  Then  he 
took  the  flowers  and  went  into  the  court-yard  to  join  Oda. 

Heartily  thanking  the  embarrassed  girl,  he  took  from 
the  bunch  of  flowers  a  little  spray  of  bluebells.  "  Permit 
me,"  he  said,  smiling;  "  the  bluebells  will  well  become 
thy  dark  hair." 

Confused,  she  stood  beside  him  while  he  carefully 
arranged  the  flowers.  Then,  fastening  the  rest  of  them 
upon  his  breast,  they  went  to  supper,  but  not  uutil  old 
Ursula  had  called  them  more  than  once. 

The  sun  sank  below  the  horizon.  Yonder  on  the  watch- 
tower  of  Lauenburg  stood  Siegfried,  looking  and  longing, 
but  his  lily  was  not  on  the  rocky  height  of  Regenstein. 
She  sat  beneath  with  his  brother,  her  heart  full  of  joy, 
while  Siegfried's  ardent  greeting  flew  over  the  castle  like 
an  arrow  that  has -missed  its  mark  and  is  lost  forever. 


142  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

When  Master  Willekin,  who  had  not  immediately 
received  Jntta's  message,  finally  appeared  at  the  convent, 
he  found  the  inmates  in  considerable  excitement.  In  the 
court-yard,  upon  the  steps,  and  in  the  passages  he  saw 
everywhere  animated  faces,  and  above,  in  one  of  the  ante- 
rooms, he  met  the  superior  and  deaconess  with  some  of 
the  younger  ladies  engaged  in  earnest  conversation,  but 
they  could  not  explain  to  him  exactly  what  had  befallen. 

Count  Albrecht's  exceptionally  early  visit,  his  prolonged 
stay,  and  his  hasty  departure  had  taken  the  castle  by  sur- 
prise. The  abbess's  waiting-woman  and  Florencius  had 
been  teased  till  the  latter  acknowledged  that  he  had  drawn 
up  a  deed  giving  the  count  Lauenburg  in  fief ;  and  the" 
former,  who  confessed  to  having  listened,  told  them  that 
he  had  quarrelled  with  the  abbess,  but  that  she  only  heard 
detached  words  and  sentences,  such  as  "  shameful,"  "  is 
this  thy  chivalry?"  "slay  my  castellan,"  and  the  question, 
"Where  isOda?"  Afterward,  when  her  mistress  rang, 
she  had  seen  a  torn  parchment  lying  on  the  floor.  There- 
fore, the  conclusion  was  arrived  at,  that  Count  Albreclit 
had  torn  the  deed  in  anger,  but  why,  no  one  could  divine 

Thus  prepared  for  something  unusual,  the  chancellor 
entered  the  abbess's  room,  she  having  refused  to  see  any 
one  else.  He  found  her  still  hot  with  indignation,  and  in 
this  mood  she  related  to  him  how  Count  Albrccht  had 
taken  Lauenburg  by  storm,  and  installed  his  brother  there 
as  castellan. 

Master  Willekin  must  now   counsel   her  what   to  do. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  143 

She  said  nothing  whatever  of  the  deed  of  feudal  tenure, 
and  the  chancellor  was  inclined  to  doubt  the  story  of  the 
scrivener  and  the  waiting- woman. 

But  it  was  highly  important  to  him  to  know  whether  the 
abbess  actually  intended  giving  the  too-powerful  Von 
Regenstein  the  coveted  castle,  which  the  city  of  Quedlin- 
burg  so  much  desired. 

"Gracious  lady,"  he  began,  after  short  consideration, 
' '  permit  me  to  ask  one  question.  Dost  thou  wish  to  take 
the  fortress  altogether  out  of  the  hands  of  the  Regen- 
steins,  or  dost  thou  only  wish  to  remove  their  castel- 
lan?" 

The  abbess  was  embarrassed,  for  the  drawing  up  of 
the  deed  was  an  undeniable  fact,  proving  her  late  inten- 
tion of  making  over  Lauenburg  to  Count  Albrecht.  She 
was  obliged,  therefore,  to  confess  the  truth,  and  answered, 
u  I  had  certainly  purposed  giving  Count  von  Regenstein 
tenure  in  fief  of  the  castle  of  Lauenburg,  but  since  he  hath 
taken  it  by  force,  I  am  of  another  mind,  and  have  com- 
manded him  to  surrender  it." 

The  chancellor  thereupon  stated  that,  notwithstanding 
the  late  disagreement  between  the  lady  abbess  and  the 
council  of  Quedlinburg,  the  latter  was  ready,  if  need  were, 
to  wrest  the  fortress  from  Count  Albrecht,  provided  the 
city  might  retain  it  in  fief.  But  it  could  hardly  be  effected 
without  powerful  allies. 

"  Are  these  to  be  found?"  the  abbess  asked. 

14 1  know  of  one,"  answered  Master  Willekin,  "but 
thou  hast  made  an  enemy  of  him." 

"  The  bishop  of  Halberstadt?"  said  she,  quickly. 

The  chancellor  assented. 

u  It  would  cost  but  a  word  to  renew  his  friendship,"  she 
continued. 

"Indeed!"  replied  Master  Willekin,  in  gratified   sur- 


144  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

prise.  "  Hast  thou  any  other  complaint  against  the  count, 
which  might  give  the  bishop  a  right  to  interfere?" 

"  Certainly  !  He  keepeth  Countess  Ocla  von  Falkenstein 
a  prisoner  at  Regenstein,  though  her  brother  hath  destined 
her  for  this  convent,  and  committed  her  to  my  keeping, 
with  a  large  dower.  Count  Albrccht  refuseth  to  release 
her,  though  I  have  required  of  him  that  he  should  do  so." 

"  I  am  aware  of  it,'*  answered  the  chancellor,  "  and  the 
bishop  hath  demanded  it  likewise." 

"He  hath  his  own  reasons,"  said  the  abbess,  "  and  I 
could  call  upon  him  to  join  with  us,  and  through  him  we 
might  secure  Count  Hoyer  as  an  ally." 

"But  Count  Albrecht  hath  his  friends  also,"  suggested 
the  chancellor.  "  The  Mansfelds  and  the  other  Hartz 
nobles.  We  can  easily  light  a  fire  which  will  spread  over 
the  whole  country." 

"  Let  it  spread,  then  !  "  cried  Jutta,  passionately.  "  I 
will  have  my  rights!  Dost  thou  believe  that  Count 
Albrecht  will  give  up  the  castle,  unless  we  use  force  ?  Let 
your  Quedlinburgers  take  it  from  him,  and  compel  him  to 
yield  Countess  Oda  to  me,  and  ye  shall  have  Lauenburg  in 
fief !  " 

UI  must  go  and  consult  my  friends  of  the  council, 
gracious  lady,"  said  Master  Willekin,  hastily,  taking  his 
leave,  lest  the  capricious  abbess  should  recall  her  words. 

In  the  anteroom  he  found  the  superior  and  deaconess 
waiting  for  him,  and  he  was  obliged  to  tell  them  what  had 
occurred.  They  wrung  their  hands  in  holy  horror,  and  if 
the  count's  ears  burned  just  then,  it  was  not  because  of 
their  praises. 

As  Master  Willekin  descended  the  steps,  he  said  to 
himself,  "  I  much  wonder  how  long  this  storm  will  last. 
If  Count  Albrecht  should  come  to-morrow,  and  give  the 
abbess  a  few  fair  words,  she  would  give  him  Lauenburg 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  145 

on  the  spot,  and  garland  it  with  roses  to  boot.  Jnst  now, 
to  oust  Siegfried  and  bring  the  Countess  von  Falken- 
stein  into  the  convent,  she  would  plunge  the  whole  neigh- 
borhood into  war.     What  doth  it  mean?  " 

The  chancellor's  dwelling  was  a  manor-house  in  a  some- 
what retired  part  of  the  city,  with  a  farm  outside  the  walls 
attached  to  it.  Through  the  latter  ran  a  branch  of  the 
Bode.  Hither  he  invited  the  most  intimate  friends  of  the 
councillors,  including  the  first  burgomaster,  and  acquainted 
them  with  what  had  happened. 

His  guests  heard  with  satisfaction  of  the  quarrel  between 
the  count  and  abbess,  which  they  assumed  must  necessarily 
be  to  the  advantage  of  the  city.  At  the  same  time  they 
were  enraged  at  Count  Albrecht's  seizure  of  Lauenbuig, 
recognizing  the  difficulty  of  securing  it  upon  the  abbess's 
conditions.  They  might  succeed  in  storming  the  castle 
and  driving  out  the  obnoxious  Siegfried,  but  how  were 
they  to  carry  off  his  brother's  prisoner  from  the  impregna- 
ble Regenstein?  The  reward,  however,  was  tempting,  and 
with  powerful  allies  and  the  whole  strength  of  the  city, 
Count  Albrecht  might  be  overcome.  Was  it  not  for  this 
that  they  had  concluded  their  alliance  with  the  bishop  of 
Halberstadt?  Never  before  had  the  prospect  seemed  so 
bright  for  throwing  off  the  hated  Regenstein  yoke,  and 
proudly  asserting  themselves  as  burghers  of  a  free  impe- 
rial city  of  the  great  Hanseatic  League. 

In  the  chancellor's  shady  arbor,  around  his  hospitable 
board,  the  assembled  councillors  determined,  under  cer- 
tain conditions,  to  declare  war  against  the  Regensteins. 
They  agreed  to  summon  the  council  together  on  the  fol- 
lowing morning,  and  each  undertook  to  take  part  in 
inciting  the  burghers,  especially  the  artisans,  against  their 
feudal  chief.  Whereupon,  full  of  hope  and  courage, 
they  took  leave  of  their  host. 


146  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

That  very  evening  the  rest  of  the  councillors  and  many 
citizens  heard  what  had  occurred.  Exaggerated  rumors 
were  abroad,  and  the  minds  of  the  townsfolk  were  much 
exercised  by  the  different  reports. 

Next  morning  the  council  came  together.  Much  indig- 
nation was  expressed  against  the  Regensteins,  nor  did 
the  abbess  altogether  escape,  on  account  of  her  partiality 
for  the  count.  But  they  were  ready  to  forgive  and  for- 
get, under  the  circumstances,  and  make  common  cause 
with  her  against  him. 

A  few  of  the  older  councillors  shook  their  heads  and 
raised  their  warning  voices  in  protest,  but  the  majority 
were  full  of  confidence,  and  eager  for  the  struggle  to  begin. 
They  had  bowed  beneath  the  yoke  long  enough.  Quedlin- 
burg  was  no  petty  hamlet,  but,  since  King  Heinrich's  time, 
an  important  city,  growing  richer  and  stronger  every  day, 
with  its  own  coinage,  tolls,  and  right  of  holding  fairs,  as 
the  armed  statue  of  Roland  in  the  market-place  testified, 
he  who  had  promised  them  the  right  of  criminal  jurisdic- 
tion, which  had  nevertheless  thus  far  been  denied.  Here 
emperors  had  lived, — Heinrich,  Otto,  Barbarossa,  and 
Philip  of  Swabia,  —  and  here  the  Reichstag  had  met,  and 
would  they  now  let  themselves  be  taxed  and  trampled 
upon  by  a  mere  robber  count  ?  They  would  bear  it  no 
longer  !  They  were  in  no  wise  inferior  to  their  neighbors 
of  Halberstadt,  who  were  happy  and  contented  under 
the  crosier  of  their  bishop.  They  also  cited  Aschersleben, 
which  had  just  been  acquired  by  him ;  a  little  suddenly, 
perhaps,  but  had  immediately  been  granted  important 
privileges.*  They  were  willing  to  be  on  friendly  terms 
with  the  princely  abbess,  so  that  she  did  not  interfere 
with  their  municipal  liberties,  according  to  their  oaths, 
but  they  must  refuse  to  be  any  longer  under  the  count's 
jurisdiction. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  147 

Thus  they  gave  vent  to  their  feelings,  and  showed 
plainly  how  they  coveted  the  neighboring  fortress. 
Happily  the  burgomaster  had  judgment  and  influence 
enough  to  restrain  the  council  from  over-haste.  He 
reminded  his  hot-headed  colleagues  that  Lauenburg  was 
the  property  of  the  convent,  and  that  they  could  not 
occupy  it  without  the  permission  of  the  abbess  ;  otherwise 
they  would  be  following  in  Count  Albrecht's  footsteps. 

They  therefore  resolved  to  go  directly  to  the  abbess, 
and  ask  her  to  authorize  them  to  begin  hostilities,  as  well 
as  to  solicit  the  bishop  for  a  definite  contingent  of  horse 
and  foot,  as  soon  as  all  was  in  readiness  for  an  attack. 

The  sitting  had  been  a  secret  one,  but  its  purpose  was 
intentionally  made  known  to  the  whole  community. 
Immediately  the  city  was  in  a  state  of  ferment.  The 
timid  were  naturally  frightened,  but  the  courageous  and 
public-spirited  heartily  rejoiced,  and  were  eager  to  pro- 
ceed directly  to  attack  the  fortress.  To  be  revenged  upon 
the  robber  count  for  every  injury  he  had  inflicted,  for  the 
cattle  he  had  stolen,  for  every  punishment  he  had  im- 
posed, to  assault  his  castles,  and  close  their  own  gates 
against  him  once  for  all,  was  the  general  desire.  The 
name  of  the  robber  count  resounded  in  every  nook  and 
corner. 

The  next  day  the  guilds  held  their  meetings,  and 
they  all  agreed  to  offer  their  services  to  the  council,  and 
recommend  that  body  to  begin  hostilities  as  soon  as 
possible. 

This  was  precisely  what  the  councillors  wished.  They 
could  now  go  to  the  abbess  and  inform  her  that  it  was 
the  desire  of  the  entire  community  to  throw  off  their 
allegiance  to  Count  Albrecht,  and  solicit  her  permission 
to  besiege  and  occupy  the  fortress  of  Lauenburg.  Her 
Other   condition,  namely,  that  Countess   Oda   should   be 


148  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

removed  from  Regenstein  and  brought  to  the  convent,  had 
been  kept  secret  by  the  chancellor's  confidants. 

Master  Willekin  had  absented  himself  from  the  castle 
of  Quedlinburg  for  two  days,  but  the  superior  had  informed 
herself  as  to  all  that  was  occurring  below  in  the  city,  and 
painted  it  in  lively  colors  for  the  benefit  of  the  abbess. 
The  latter  had  at  first  refused  to  see  uny  of  the  chapter, 
but  the  superior,  in  consequence  of  her  urgency,  was 
finally  admitted,  ostensibly  to  offer  consolation  in  this 
trying  state  of  affairs,  but  really  to  discover  the  inmost 
feelings  of  the  abbess,  and  to  incite  her  against  Count 
Albrecht. 

Indeed,  Jutta  had  sad  moments,  when  her  anger  cooled 
and  almost  gave  place  to  the  old  loyalty  and  affection. 
That  her  wrath  might  not  die  out,  it  was  advisable  to  fan 
the  flame  a  little,  and  the  superior  well  understood  this. 
She  began  by  appearing  to  defend  the  count,  but  in  such 
a  way  as  to  make  Jutta  more  sensitive  to  the  injury  he 
had  done  her.  Then  she  proceeded  to  blame  her  for  her 
weakness,  saying,  "  Why  didst  thou  not  follow  my  ad- 
vice ?  " 

Jutta  impatiently  shrugged  her  shoulders. 

"I  have  always  said,"  Kunigunde  continued,  "that 
thou  wert  spoiling  the  count.  He  taketh  too  much  upon 
himself,  and  thou  shouldst  not  submit  to  it." 

She  little  knew  what  Jutta  had  last  submitted  to. 

"  Who  will  protect  thee  against  this  man  ?  "  the  superior 
went  on.  "Thou  hast  vexed  the  bishop,  because  thou 
wouldst  not  assist  at  his  consecration,  sorely  as  I  entreated 
thee.  Solely  for  love  of  Count  Albrecht  —  oh !  I  know 
it,  though  thou  sliakest  thy  head  —  didst  thou  not  decline 
the  bishop's  invitation,  simply  because  he  had  trodden  too 
hard  upon  the  count's  foot?  And  what  thanks  hast  thou? 
He  does  what  he  pleaseth,  and  laugheth  at  thee  I " 


THE  ROBBER   COUNT.  149 

The  abbess  started  at  these  words,  for  they  were  only 
too  true.  The  count  had  left  her  with  a  laugh,  having 
Lauenburg  in  his  power,  and  he  had  branded  her  forehead 
with  his  burning  kiss.  She  bit  her  lips  and  said  nothing 
to  Kunigunde's  reproaches,  but  let  herself  be  rated  like 
a  child;  she,  the  princess,  and  why?  Ah!  the  count 
should  atone  for  this,  likewise  !  but  when  the  sun  sank, 
and  she  sat  alone  in  the  twilight,  the  noble  form  of 
Albrecht  would  appear  to  her  in  the  gathering  darkness, 
and  she  would  dwell  upon  his  tone  and  words  until  she 
was  almost  ready  to  give  and  forgive  him  everything. 
Even  the  memory  of  his  audacious  freedom  when  he  left 
her  was  not  so  unbearable,  as  she  thought  of  that  moment 
when  she  was  held  in  his  strong  arms  and  suddenly  felt 
his  kiss  upon  her  brow.  But  then,  alas  !  the  sound  of  his 
light  laugh  rang  again  in  her  ears,  reminding  her  that 
Siegfried  had  been  sent  to  Lauenburg,  and  that  Oda  and 
Albrecht  were  together  at  Regenstein,  perchance  laughing 
together  at  the  lonely  abbess  in  her  castle.  Thus  her 
wrath  and  resentment  would  return,  while  she  determined 
to  steel  her  heart  against  all  relenting. 

But  Kunigunde  took  good  care  that  she  should  not  be  too 
much  alone ,  and  more  than  once  she  repeated  her  exhorta- 
tions. She  sang  the  same  old  tune,  and  her  wrinkled  face 
forcibly  expressed  her  indignation  at  Count  Albrecht's 
conduct,  always  concluding  her  sermon  by  adjuring  Jutta 
to  hand  down  unimpaired  to  her  successors  the  powers 
and  privileges  which  she  had  herself  received. 

It  was  during  one  of  these  lectures  that  Master  Wille- 
kin  von  Herrkestorf  arrived  at  the  convent  with  the  first 
burgomaster  and  two  of  the  councillors,  and  begged  for 
an  interview  with  the  abbess. 

She  advanced  to  meet  the  representatives  of  the  council 
with  her  usual  dignity,  while  they  in  return  made  her 


150  THE  ROBBER   COUNT. 

profound  salutations.  The  burgomaster,  Nikolaus  von 
Bekheim,  after  a  brief  account  of  the  state  of  affairs  in 
the  city,  informed  her  that  it  was  the  purpose  of  the 
council,  with  her  gracious  permission,  to  take  Lauenburg 
by  force  and  to  throw  off  their  allegiance  to  Count  von 
Regenstein. 

For  the  first  time  in  her  life,  Jutta  was  obliged  to  de- 
cide for  herself  a  most  important  question.  When  she 
heard  these  serious  and  courageous  men  propose  to 
attempt  an  undertaking  which  she  had  suggested,  she 
was  suddenly  overwhelmed  by  a  feeling  of  great  respon- 
sibility. Her  plans  for  revenge,  in  the  face  of  stern 
reality  and  of  undertakings  fraught  with  untold  results, 
seemed  now  a  foolhardy  trifling  with  danger.  She  was 
like  a  dreamer  suddenly  awakened,  who  finds  himself  on 
the  brink  of  an  abyss  Past  and  future  were  united  in 
the  present,  and  while  now  she  looked  at  everything  in  a 
new  light,  she  saw  no  way  of  escape.  Pondering  deeply, 
she  turned  from  one  to  the  other  of  these  men,  who 
waited  expectantly  for  her  answer,  and  whose  manner 
betrayed  only  resolute  determination. 

Nikolaus  von  Bekheim  was  a  fine-looking  man,  with 
large,  bright  eyes  and  shapely  head,  his  erect  carriage  and 
appearance  of  vigor  contrasting  singularly  with  his  snow- 
white  hair.  Werner  Scheerenschmid,  one  of  the  coun- 
cillors, with  his  slender  figure  and  austere  face,  impressed 
one  as  a  man  of  shrewdness  and  reserve.  The  other, 
Henning  Wollrabe,  was  a  genuine,  fair-haired  Saxon, 
with  ruddy  complexion  and  broad  shoulders,  spirited  and 
intrepid,  and  at  the  same  time  with  a  quiet  assurance  of 
manner.  He  belonged  to  an  old  Quedlinburg  family,  but 
owed  his  place  in  the  council  even  more  to  his  wealth 
than  to  his  other  advantages. 

The  abbess's  situation  was  one  of  some  difficulty  as  shg 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  151 

sat  confronting  these  representatives  of  Quedlinburg,  all 
eager  for  independence,  and,  moreover,  in  a  highly  irri- 
table state  of  mind.  If  she  granted  the  council's  request, 
she  gave  the  signal  for  hostilities  over  which  she  could 
have  no  control ;  and  if  she  refused,  the  city  would  in  all 
probability  dispense  with  her  consent,  and  go  to  war  with 
the  count,  regardless  of  her  wishes  or  rights.  These 
reflections  passed  swiftly  through  her  mind,  while  with 
grace  and  dignity,  and  at  the  same  time  with  firmness, 
she  said,  — 

"Good  sirs!  we  will  endeavor  to  settle  this  affair 
presently,  in  the  best  way  possible.  We  are  most  un- 
willing to  plunge  our  good  city  of  Quedlinburg  into  strife 
and  bloodshed,  or  to  give  permission  for  war  against  its 
feudal  chief.  We  know  well  that  ye  bring  many  com- 
plaints against  the  count,  and  that  ye  would  be  rid  of 
burdens  which  we  would  gladly  see  removed  without  de- 
tracting from  princely  prerogatives.  We  stand  between 
the  town  and  our  noble  protector,  and  would  fain  do 
justice  to  both,  according  to  the  laws  and  customs  of  our 
ancestors  ;  but  as  we  desire  to  take  counsel  in  this  matter, 
and  his  Imperial  Majesty  is  too  distant,  we  will  consult 
the  reverend  bishop  of  Halberstadt,  and  thereupon  come 
to  a  decision." 

Now  this  certainly  sounded  different  from  all  which  she 
had  said  to  the  chancellor  in  the  first  ebullition  of  her 
wrath.  But  at  present  she  felt  differently,  and  by  speak- 
ing thus  she  hoped  still  to  hold  the  sword  in  her  own 
hand,  and  remain  for  the  present  mistress  of  the  situa- 
tion. The  representatives  of  the  council  were  not  quite 
satisfied  with  her  speech,  neither  were  they  altogether 
dissatisfied.  After  the  chancellor's  communication,  they 
looked  for  a  more  definite  reply,  but  the  abbess's  proposal 
to  consult  the  bishop,  the  city's  secret  ally  and  the  bitter 


152  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

enemy  of  tbe  count,  was  gratifying,  and  from  such  con- 
sultation they  anticipated  only  favorable  results. 

The  chancellor  was  of  the  same  opinion,  and  seeing 
that  the  restless  superior  was  about  to  interfere,  he  be- 
sought her  by  signs,  which  fortunately  she  heeded,  to  be 
silent. 

4 'May  we  inform  our  fellow-citizens,  noble  princess, 
of  thy  decision?"  asked  Nikolaus  von  Bekheim. 

44  Surely,  Burgomaster,"  answered  the  abbess,  4'  ye 
may  say  this  to  the  other  councillors,  the  guild  masters, 
and  our  good  friends,  the  townsfolk  " 

44  And  wilt  thou  acquaint  us  with  the  bishop's  ad- 
vice, gracious  lady  ?  "  inquired  Master  Werner  Scheeren- 
schmid,  with  a  scrutinizing  look  at  the  abbess. 

44  We  will  not  keep  you  in  ignorance  of  our  resolution, 
Master  Councillor,''  she  replied,  evasively.  44  To-morrow 
I  purpose  to  ride  to  Halberstadt.  Thou  wilt  accompany 
me,  Master  Willekin,  and  I  shall  ask  for  a  small  guard  of 
horsemen,  Burgomaster !  " 

44  They  are  always  at  thy  service,  my  lady,"  replied  the 
worthy  magistrate. 

44  We  are  ready  to  protect  thee  with  our  lives,  if  need 
be,  noble  lady,  from  any  danger  that  may  threaten  thee  !  " 
cried  Henning  Wollrabe,  warmly. 

44 1  thank  thee,  Master  Henning;  ye  have  my  best 
wishes  for  the  welfare  of  our  good  town." 

Jutta  said  this  smiling,  and  with  a  friendly  inclination 
of  the  head,  for  she  wished  to  appear  to  ♦these  gentlemen 
of  the  council  not  only  as  princess,  but  as  a  charming 
woman,  whom  they  could  not  find  it  in  their  hearts  to 
resist. 

She  seldom  failed  to  make  such  an  impression  as  she 
wished  upon  all  men  folk,  and  thus  to-day  the  representa- 
tives of  the  city  of  Quedlinburg  took  their  leave,  charmed 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  153 

with  her  grace  and  beauty,  and  forgetting  that  they  had 
really  obtained  nothing  by  their  visit.  She  had  promised, 
it  is  true,  to  ask  the  bishop's  advice,  but  not  to  follow  it. 
The  superior  slipped  out  of  the  room  with  the  chan- 
cellor, and  Jutta  was  left  alone,  her  heart  eased,  after 
painful  days,  by  a  feeling  of  comparative  calmness  and 
content. 


154  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 


CHAPTER   XVII. 

Although  Count  Albrecht  immediately  received  news 
of  the  ferment  in  Quedlinburg,  he  only  laughed  at  it,  be- 
lieving it  would  all  come  to  naught. 

For  him,  however,  now  began  a  different  and  a  far 
more  difficult  warfare  than  that  which  the  city  threatened. 
It  was  with  his  own  heart  and  conscience  that  he  was  now 
called  upon  to  struggle.  Albrecht  loved  Oda  von  Falken- 
stein,  and  he  knew  it.  It  had  become  evident  to  him  the 
evening  when  he  had  put  flowers  in  Oda's  hair.  From  that 
moment  he  was  conscience-stricken,  as  he  thought  of  his 
brother  Siegfried,  with  whose  love  for  the  maiden  he  was 
only  too  well  acquainted,  and  whose  hopes  he  had  himself 
encouraged.  Now  that  he  was  aware  of  his  own  desires, 
he  was  horror-struck ;  he  felt  himself  a  traitor,  and  re- 
solved at  once  to  renounce  her  utterly,  without  reflecting 
that,  perhaps,  his  resolution  would  tax  even  his  strength 
beyond  its  endurance. 

When  he  met  Oda,  after  a  sleepless  night,  he  avoided 
her  gaze  as  if  oppressed  by  guilt,  and  spoke  to  her  as  little 
as  possible.  Directly  after  breakfast  he  ordered  his  horse, 
then  threw  himself  into  the  saddle,  and  set  out  alone, 
hoping  thus  to  ease  his  mind.  He  rode  on  as  in  a  dream, 
without  noticing  where  he  went,  lost  in  thought,  hearing 
nothing,  seeing  nothing.  Every  day,  every  hour,  every 
moment  since  Oda's  arrival  at  Regenstein  was  recalled, 
not  forgetting  her  last  "  good-night,"  which  was  followed 
—  he  could  not  deceive  himself —  by  a  soft  pressure  of  the 
hand.     She  did  not  suspect  that  he  loved  her,  he  thought 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  155 

He  had  as  yet  done  nothing  on  her  behalf,  but  she  had 
implicit  faith  in  his  promises  of  assistance,  and  this  must 
be  why  she  was  friendly,  and  perhaps,  also,  b<  cause  he 
was  Siegfried's  brother.  Why  should  any  other  feeling 
spring  up  in  her  young  heart?  And  how  could  he  be 
guilty  of  such  unpardonable  folly,  such  wickedness,  as 
to  fall  in  love  with  the  pale  lily,  Siegfried's  destined 
bride  ? 

He  sighed  deeply,  and  straightened  himself  in  the 
saddle,  then  twitching  the  bridle,  and  making  his  horse 
start  as  if  on  the  brink  of  a  precipice,  he  found  himself 
close  to  the  walls  of  Quedlinburg  without  at  all  knowing 
how  he  had  come  thither,  and  above  him  towered  the 
abbess's  castle.. 

Brim  had  brought  him  back  by  the  same  road  over 
which  he  had  ridden  yesterday.  Was  the  noble  animal 
guided  by  some  mysterious  instinct?  Should  he  return  to 
the  abbess,  make  his  peace  with  her,  and  freely  surrender 
the  fortress  of  Lauenburg,  giving  her  the  opportunity 
to  bestow  it  upon  him  in  fief,  as  she  had  purposed? 
Count  Albrecht  was  not  free  from  superstition,  and  horse, 
hound,  and  hawk  were  to  him  silent  friends,  in  whose 
sagacity  lie  had  full  faith.  Had  his  trusty  beast  again 
decided  for  him,  indicating  the  way  he  should  go? 

As  he  reasoned  thus  with  himself,  it  was  possible  that 
Jutta's  bright  eyes  might  discover  him  from  her  window  ; 
but  he  did  not  trouble  himself  as  to  her  opinion  of  his 
appearance  here. 

Ah !  should  she  now  look  into  his  heart,  and  see  there 
that  which  she  had  jealously  taxed  him  with,  and  which 
he  had  then  honestly  denied,  —  his  love  for  Oda  ! 

Had  his  horse,  then,  brought  him  here,  that  he  might 
make  an  apology,  and  acknowledge  that,  after  all,  Jutta 
was  right? 


156  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 


He  patted  the  animal's  neck  and  stroked  his  mane. 

"  What  thinkest  thou,  Brun?  "  he  said.  "  Shall  we  go 
to  my  lady,  and  make  our  peace?  " 

Brun  nodded  his  head. 

M  Ha  !  Brun  !  Thou  knowest  her  not ;  thou  hast  never 
quarrelled  with  her,  nor  looked  into  her  great,  dark  eyes 
when  they  burned !  What  if  I  should  go  to  her  now, 
and  offer  her  my  hand  and  heart  ?  Then  I  should  be  irrev- 
ocably bound,  and  saved  from  the  folly  against  which  I 
am  so  weak.  This  would  guard  the  maiden  and  Siegfried 
from  my  madness.  A  word  to  the  beautiful  abbess,  and 
all  is  done  !     Shall  we  go  up,  Brun  ?  " 

Brun  shook  his  head  till  his  chain  and  bridle  rattled. 

"  Thou  wilt  not  go?  Thou  wilt  not  have  the  proud 
Jutta  for  thy  mistress  ?  "  cried  the  count,  joyfully.  "Come, 
let  us  return,  and  see  what  Oda  is  doing  !  " 

But,  instead  of  turning,  the  horse  began  to  paw  the 
ground. 

"  What,  dost  wish  me  to  attack  this  froward  little  city, 
break  down  its  walls,  and  challenge  the  burgher  rabble  be- 
fore they  throw  down  the  gauntlet?  Not  now,  Brun. 
Come,  come  !     Oda  is  alone  at  home  !  " 

He  turned  his  bay  and  trotted  back,  keeping  his  eyes 
fixed  on  Regenstein,  thinking  that  perchance  Oda's  slen- 
der figure  might  appear  again  upon  its  rocky  height.  And 
as  he  rode  over  the  drawbridge,  the  seizure  of  Lauenburg, 
the  abbess's  anger,  the  enmity  of  the  Blankenbuigs  and 
of  the  townsfolk  were  all  forgotten  ;  but  he  locked  his 
secret  in  the  recesses  of  his  heart,  so  that  Oda  might  sus- 
pect nothing.  No  pressure  of  the  hand,  no  tender  word, 
no  glance  betrayed  his  love  for  her  ;  yet  tlie  prolonged  strug- 
gle with  himself  gave  him  little  rest  or  peace,  and  the  next 
day  he  swung  himself  again  into  the  saddle,  to  reason  with 
himself  in  solitude,  where  Oda's  questioning  eyes  could 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  157 

not  pursue  him  ;  to  do  what  he  had  failed  in  doing  yester- 
day,—  decide  upon  his  course. 

At  the  foot  of  Regenstein,  Brun  wished  to  take  the  road 
to  Quedlinburg  once  more  ;  but  this  time  the  count  chose  to 
go  his  own  way.  and,  turning  the  wilful  beast,  he  rode  by 
the  Michaelstein  monastery,  up  the  valley  of  the  Goldbach. 
As  the  narrow  pathway  became  steeper,  and  his  way  was 
impeded  by  low-hanging  branches,  Count  Albrecht  dis- 
mounted, fastened  his  horse,  and  threw  himself  upon  the 
ground  in  the  shade  of  a  beech-tree.  Not  a  leaf  was 
stirring,  and  only  the  song  of  birds  broke  the  silence  of 
the  forest. 

But  even  here  disturbed  thoughts  swarmed  through  his 
mind  like  gnats  in  the  sunshine,  and  when  he  tried  to  set 
them  in  order,  a  doubt  began  to  dawn  upon  him  which 
grew  more  and  more  definite,  and  which  he  could  not 
shake  off. 

The  more  sure  he  was  of  Siegfried's  love  for  Oda,  the 
less  certain  he  felt  that  Oda  returned  it.  He  must  know 
the  truth,  and  reluctantly  confessed  to  himself  that  this 
doubt  brought  with  it  a  gleam  of  hope. 

But  how  should  he  sound  Oda's  heart  ?  The  soldierly 
knight  was  versed  in  militaiy  strateg}T,  but  he  little  knew 
how  to  surprise  a  woman's  secret.  Therefore,  he  deter- 
mined to  wait  till  chance  should  reveal  it  to  him,  and 
when  he  discovered  that  she  loved  Siegfried,  he  would 
ask  Jutta's  hand,  and  be  to  her  a  faithful  husband,  and 
to  Oda  an  affectionate  brother-in-law.  As  head  of  his 
family,  he  felt  it  simply  a  duty  to  marry  and  give  Regen- 
stein a  mistress.  He  had  received  sufficient  proof  of 
Jutta's  love,  notwithstanding  their  quarrels.  Her  pas- 
sionate nature  attracted  him,  and  her  wit  and  beauty  were 
such  that  he  persuaded  himself,  if  need  were,  he  could 
learn  to  love  this  captivating  creature. 


158  THE  ROBBER  COUNT, 

So  in  the  solitude  of  the  forest  he  arrived  at  a  decision 
which  satisfied  his  conscience,  and  restored  to  him  so 
much  peace  of  mind  as  would  enable  him  to  attend  to 
affairs  which  greatly  required  his  care. 

Thereupon  he  rode  back  to  Regenstein,  and  found  his 
sister-in-law  with  Oda.  It  occurred  to  him  at  once  to 
take  Reginhild  aside,  tell  her  everything,  and  ask  for  her 
advice  and  assistance,  for  he  loved  her  heartily,  and  had 
confidence  in  her  clear  judgment  and  kindly  feeling.  But 
when  she  looked  at  him  as  if  she  would  read  his  thouglfts, 
his  resolution  failed,  and  he  was  ashamed  to  confess  that 
he,  the  mature  man,  was  held  by  the  self -same  fetters 
which  bound  the  young  Siegfried. 

lie  might,  however,  have  spared  himself  his  apprehen- 
sions, for  Reginhild  gave  him  advice  unasked,  having 
come  to  Regenstein  for  this  very  purpose. 

Oda's  feeling  for  Albrecht,  which  Reginhild  had  dis- 
covered, gave  her  much  pain  on  Siegfried's  account,  and 
when  Bernhard,  on  his  return  from  Lauenburg,  related  how 
Siegfried  had  been  sent  there  as  castellan,  and  how  his 
own  suggestion,  that  Oda  should  go  to  the  convent,  had 
been  summarily  rejected,  she  feared  that  Albrecht  would 
become  dearer  to  her,  while  Siegfried  would  be  forgotten. 
She  imagined,  from  Albrecht's  persistent  refusal  to  part 
with  the  young  countess,  that  he  had  taken  a  passing 
fancy  to  the  latter,  as  she  regarded  Jutta  von  Kranichfeld 
as  future  mistress  of  Regenstein.  Siegfried's  happiness 
must  not  be  destroyed  for  the  elder  brother's  passing 
whim,  and,  therefore,  it  was  desirable  that  the  former 
should  soon  return,  and  it  was  to  bring  this  about  that 
she  had  come  to  Regenstein,  with  Bernhard's  approval. 

After  a  sisterly  greeting,  she  began,  as  if  speaking  for 
her  husband.  Disturbing  rumors  had  come  to  him  of  the 
state  of  affairs  in  Quedlinburg,  and  of  the  town's  inten- 
tion to  besiege  Lauenburg. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  159 

Bernhard  begged  his  brother  to  remember  that  Sieg- 
fried, with  all  his  courage,  was  too  young  and  inex- 
perienced to  be  responsible  for  the  castle,  under  these  cir- 
cumstances, and  he  advised  Albrecht  to  recall  him,  and 
put  an  older  man  in  his  place. 

Reginhild's  words  dropped  like  a  plummet  into  the 
hearts  of  both  her  hearers,  and  the  clever  woman  was  on 
the  alert  to  see  their  effect,  both  upon  Albrecht  and  Oda. 

The  count  was  taken  by  surprise,  but  he  saw  that  the 
suggestion  was  a  wise  one,  and  that  this  would  be  a  good 
test  of  Oda's  feelings.  If  she  cared  for  Siegfried,  she 
would  show  pleasure  at  the  prospect  of  his  return,  and 
then  he  would  know  what  to  do. 

Bernhardt  advice  concerning  Lauenburg  certainly 
seemed  judicious.  But  Albrecht,  conscious  of  his  love, 
was  sure  that  some  hidden  design  lay  behind  it,  and  sus- 
pected what  it  was.  He  could  not,  however,  refuse  to 
remove  Siegfried,  without  creating  the  suspicion  that  he  had 
sent  him  away  to  be  rid  of  him.  But  he  would  temporize, 
and  thus  the  better  discover  what  Oda's  feelings  were. 

Oda  also  heard  Reginhild's  proposal  with  a  troubled 
conscience,  while  she  listened  intently  to  Albrecht's  reply, 
without  betraying  in  the  least  her  own  wishes  in  the 
matter.  All  three  were,  in  fact,  carefully  watching  one 
another. 

11  Bernhard  is  right,"  answered  Albrecht,  after  a  short 
pause.  M  I  will  send  Harder,  of  Derenburg,  to  his  aid  ;  a 
true  and  trusty  man.  But  I  do  not  wish  to  recall  him 
immediately  after  intrusting  him  with  the  command  of 
which  he  seemed  so  proud.  Dost  thou  not  agree  with  me, 
Countess  Oda?" 

M  He  said  nothing  to  me  of  his  pleasure,  when  he  left 
us,"  she  replied  ;  u  but  what  young  knight  would  not  enjoy 
such  a  trust?" 


130  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

' '  Thou  canst  not  leave  Siegfried  at  Lauenburg,  after 
thou  scndest  Harder  thither,"  remarked  Reginhild.  "  It 
is  not  suitable  for  a  Regenstein  to  be  second  in  authority, 
and  under  his  own  vassal.  The  garrison  ought  not  to 
know  why  the  young  castellan  is  withdrawn  ;  thou  shouldst 
give  him  some  other  than  the  real  reason." 

"It  will  doubtless  be  a  mortification  to  him,"  said 
Count  Albrecht.  "He  will  never  allow  that  he  cannot 
command  as  well  as  another." 

"I  am  sure  he  will  acknowledge  it,  brother,  if  thou 
puttest  it  in  a  favorable  light.  Ask  him  if  he  would  not 
return  to  Regenstein,  rather  than  be  only  in  nominal  com- 
mand of  Lauenburg.     Am  I  not  right,  dear  Oda?  " 

"  I  think  thou  art,  Countess  Reginhild,"  Oda  answered. 

And  Count  Albrecht  agreed  with  her.  He  heard  in  his 
sister-in-law's  words  a  covert  plea  for  Siegfried,  and  for 
his  own  part  the  voice  of  conscience  loudly  appealed  to 
him.  With  a  strong  effort,  then,  he  put  self  aside,  and 
exclaimed,  "  Thou  hast  convinced  me,  Reginhild  !  Sieg- 
fried shall  come  home." 

No  joyful  light  came  into  Oda's  eyes  as  he  uttered 
these  words,  but  she  cast  them  down,  and  he  could  learn 
nothing  of  her  thoughts. 

Reginhild  recognized  the  sacrifice  which  he  made  for 
Siegfried,  and  returned  in  good  spirits  to  Heimburg,  with 
the  same  respect  which  she  had  always  felt  for  her 
brother-in-law's  sense  of  honor  and  goodness  of  heart. 
Later,  when  Albrecht  sat  alone  in  his  room,  he  felt  vexed 
with  himself  that  he  had  not  thought  of  sending  for  Sieg- 
fried, without  waiting  for  Bernhard  and  Reginhild  to  per- 
suade him.  For  the  first  time  in  his  life  he  felt  humiliated 
before  his  brother  and  sister,  and  the  thought  was  not  a 
pleasant  one. 

Discontented  with  himself,  he  summoned  Bock,  and 
said  to  him,  — 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  161 


t< 


Listen,  Bock  !  Our  good  lady  abbess  hath  expressed 
a  desire  that  no  Regenstein  shall  command  the  fortress  of 
Lauenbiirg.  For  this  cause,  —  dost  thou  hear,  Bock?  — 
for  this  cause,  I  have  determined  to  send  Harder,  of  Deren- 
bnrg,  to  take  Count  Siegfried's  place.  To-morrow  morn- 
ing I  wish  thee  to  ride  with  three  men  to  Derenburg,  give 
him  my  orders,  and  escort  him  to  Lauenbiirg.  The  next 
day  thou  canst  return  to  Regenstein  with  my  brother. 
Dost  understand  why  Harder  is  to  relieve  Siegfried?  " 

"Because  the  abbess  wisheth  what  we  all  wish,  that 
Count  Siegfried  should  remain  here  with  Countess  Oda," 
replied  Bock,  with  a  knowing  smile. 

"Thou  art  out  of  thy  wits!  "  cried  the  count,  with  a 
red  face.  "  I  told  thee,  because  she  doth  not  choose  to 
have  a  Regenstein  castellan  there.  Now  repeat  it  after 
me!" 

Bock  repeated  it,  word  for  word. 

44  Now,  stick  to  that,  and  make  no  stupid  blunder. 
Start  early  in  the  morning,  and  be  on  thy  guard  against 
the  Quedlinburgers ;  they  will  show  thee  no  sort  of 
civility.     Bring  back  no  plunder.     Dost  hear,  Bock  ?  " 

44  H'm  !  'T  is  a  pity  !  "  muttered  Bock  ;  M  but  if  I  get 
hold  of  Schabernack,  Sir  Count  —  " 

44  Thou  canst  question  him  as  shrewdly  as  thou  didst 
the  other  day,"  laughed  Count  Albrecht. 

Bock  bit  his  long  mustache. 

44  All  shall  be  done  as  thou  commandest,  Sir  Count," 
said  he,  shortly  leaving  the  room. 

His  master  had  not  enjoined  silence,  and  the  news  of 
Siegfried's  expected  return  was*  soon  communicated  to 
every  soul  in  the  castle,  for  he  knew  they  would  all 
rejoice.  He  wished  especially  to  inform  Eilika.  He 
found  her  seated  in  an  arbor,  occupied  with  needle-work. 
She  had  seen  him  coming,  but  seemed  much  surprised  as 


162  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

his  tall  figure,  bent  almost  double,  appeared  in  the  low 
entrance.  He  seated  himself  beside  her  on  the  bench, 
without  much  ado,  and  thus  began,  — 

"What  wilt  thou  give  me,  gentle  maiden,  if  I  give  thee 
pleasant  tidings?" 

11  That  dependeth  upon  whether  they  are  pleasant  to 
thee  or  to  me." 

"  I  should  think  that  what  would  please  me  must  please 
thee,"  he  said,  with  a  self-satisfied  air  ;  "  but  guess  what 
it  is,  Mistress  Eilika." 

"  Well,  then,  thou  art  going  on  a  long  journey,"  said 
she,  maliciously. 

"And  would  that  please  thee?"  he  asked,  with  a 
reproachful  look ;  "  but  if  thou  callest  two  days  a  long 
time,  thou  art  right." 

"  Two  whole  days?  I  shall  be  inconsolable,  Sir 
Knight !  "  she  cried. 

"  Now  that  pleaseth  me!  But  guess  whom  I  am  to 
bring  back  with  me  !  "  urged  Bock. 

"Not  Count  Siegfried?" 

"  What  a  sharp  wit  thou  hast !  "  exclaimed  the  knight. 
"  One  cannot  surprise  thee  !  " 

"  Hath  Count  Albrecht  so  ordered  it?"  asked  Eilika. 

"Surely!  Who  else?  Tell  me,  Mistress  Eilika,  hath 
the  countess  pined  for  our  dear  young  master?  Perchance 
she  hath  told  Count  Albrecht  that  she  would  fain  have 
him  return." 

"Oh,  Sir  Knight,  how  canst  thou  think  so!"  Eilika 
retorted. 

"  Why,  thou  seest,  the  count  never  of  himself  changeth 
his  mind.     And  as  to  the  abbess,  I  believe  naught  of  it." 

"What  of  the  abbess?" 

"  Count  Albrecht  saith  that  the  abbess  wisheth  no 
Regenstein  to  be  castellan  at  Lauenburg,  and  to  gratify 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  103 

her  he  is  going  to  send  Harder,  of  Derenburg,  to  relieve 
his  brother." 

1 '  I  think  Count  von  Regensteiu  would  do  anything  to 
please  the  abbess,"  said  Eilika. 

"  So  it  is  thought;  and,  between  ourselves,  the  abbess 
may  yet  be  mistress  of  Regenstein." 

"Is  it  so?  "  said  Eilika.  "  And  she  will  not  have  her 
future  brother-in-law  remain  at  Lauenburg?  There  must 
be  some  cause  for  that." 

"  Thy  mistress  is  the  cause,"  returned  Bock. 

Eilika  shook  her  head.  "Nay,  nay  ;  I  truly  believe  it 
is  the  abbess's  doing." 

1 '  Because  she  wisheth  thy  countess  and  our  young 
count  to  wed  one  another.  I  said  so  likewise,  but  I 
got  a  fine  answer  from  the  count "  ;  and  Bock  made  a 
grimace. 

"  What  said  he  to  thee?" 

"  He  told  me  I  had  gone  clean  out  of  my  wits.  ' 

Eilika  laughed  aloud. 

"  This  time  he  did  thee  injustice,  Sir  Knight.  But  now 
I  will  hear  what  my  mistress  hath  to  say  to  it." 

She  rose,  and  gathered  up  her  sewing  materials. 

"What  we  have  been  speaking  of,  Sir  Knight,  is  be- 
tween ourselves,"  said  she  ;  "  can  I  rely  upon  thee;  " 

"I  give  thee  my  wo;d  of  honor,  dear  maiden,"  an- 
swered Bock,  ponderously ;  ' 4  thy  confidence  is  to  me  a 
very  fountain  of  delight."  Whereupon,  he  carried  her 
hand  to  his  lips,  and  walked  slowly  back  to  the  castle  by 
the  side  of  the  coquettish  maiden. 

"I  have  brought  thee  good  news,  my  lady!  Count 
Siegfried  is  to  return  ! "  exclaimed  Eilika,  as  she  entered 
her  mistress's  room. 

Oda  looked  up  sadly.  "Why  callest  thou  this  good 
news,  Eilika?" 


164  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

"  And  art  thou  not  glad  of  it?"  asked  her  maid. 

The  young  countess  shook  her  head. 

"  But  I  thought  —  "  And  Eilika  stopped,  and  looked 
'doubtfully  at  her  mistress. 

"  Thou  thinkest  what  the  others  think,"  said  Oda. 

"  Why,  my  lady  !  A  young  knight  like  Count  Siegfried, 
handsome,  brave,  and  courtly,  and  a  Regenstein !  Hast 
thou  not  seen  that  he  loveth  thee  dearly  ?  " 

"Do  not  speak  of  it!"  answered  Oda,  with  a  sigh. 
"  Eilika,  I  have  no  one  to  whom  I  can  unburden  my 
heart ;  I  will  confide  in  thee.  They  wish  me  to  become 
Count  Siegfried's  wife  ;  Count  Albrecht,  Countess  Regin- 
hild,  and  —  I  know  it  well  —  Count  Siegfried  himself  most 
of  all." 

"And  the  abbess,"  added  Eilika. 

11  The  abbess  !  She  wisheth  it  also  !  "  cried  Oda,  as- 
tonished. 

"  Certainly.  It  is  owing  to  her  that  Count  Siegfried  is 
to  return,"  the  maid  went  on. 

"  Thou  art  mistaken,"  said  Oda.  "  Count  Bernhard 
desireth  that  an  older  and  more  experienced  man  should 
command  Lauenburg.  Countess  Reginhilcl  said  so  in  my 
presence." 

"In  thy  presence  !  "  repeated  Eilika,  smiling.  "  Natu- 
rally, my  lady,  they  would  not  tell  thee  the  true  reason. 
But  depend  upon  it,  it  is  the  work  of  the  abbess.  She 
hath  made  use  of  Countess  Reginhild  as  of  Count  Al- 
brecht." 

"  Who  told  thee  so?"  asked  her  mistress,  indignantly. 

"  The  Knight  Bock  said  so." 

"  Oh  !     And  what  knoweth  he  of  the  matter?" 

"  He  hath  it  from  Count  Albrecht's  own  month." 

"  From  Count  Albrecht ! "  repeated  Oda,  shocked. 

"  Certainly  !     Count  Albrecht  told  him  that  Count  Sieg- 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  165 

fried  was  to  return,  because  the  abbess  wished  it ;  and 
that  the  Knight  Bock  should  ride  to  Laueuburg  and  fetch 
him,"  Eilika  went  on  glibly.  "Count  Albrecht  doth 
whatever  the  abbess  desireth,  because  she  is  one  day  to  be 
mistress  of  Regenstein.     Dost  thou  not  know  that?" 

Oda  only  half  heard  her  maid's  gossip,  but  at  these  last 
words  she  started,  and  the  blood  left  her  cheeks  until 
they  became  paler  than  lilies. 

"  Let  her  have  Regenstein  !  "  Eilika  continued.  "  Thou 
canst  go  to  Lauenburg  with  Count  Siegfried.  Knight 
Bock  saith  it  is  grand  there ;  a  lordly  castle  upon  a 
steep  hill  in  the  midst  of  the  forest,  like  an  eagle's  nest. 
And  wouldst  thou  have  a  change  ?  thou  canst  go  to  Falk- 
enstein,  my  lady,  for  the  Regensteins  have  sworn,  Knight 
Bock  telleth  me,  that  thou  shalt  not  lose  thine  inheritance. 
Surely  Count  Siegfried  will  not  let  his  lady  be  deprived  of 
such  a  castle  as  Falkenstein.  Such  a  knight  as  he,  who 
would  not  love  !  " 

"  Eilika,  hath  the  abbess  set  thee  also  upon  me?"  cried 
Oda,  impatiently. 

• '  There  is  no  need  of  that,  my  lady  !  There  is  not  a 
soul  in  Regenstein  who  would  not  heartily  wish  that  thou 
mightst  wed  Count  Siegfried.  And  thou  promised  to  con- 
fide in  me.  Do  so,  my  dear  lady  !  I  would  go  through 
fire  for  thy  sake.  Tell  me  only  that  thou  lovest  Count 
Siegfried  !  " 

"  Thou  meanest  well,  Eilika,"  said  Oda,  extending  her 
hand  to  the  maid.  "I  love  Count  Siegfried  as  a  dear 
friend  aud  brother,  but  in  no  other  way." 

i4lt  will  all  come  in  time,  dear  mistress,"  laughed 
Eilika.  "  Begin  with  the  sisterly  love  ;  the  other  will  soon 
follow.  He  is  coming  the  day  after  to-morrow  ;  be  kind 
to  him,  Countess  Oda  ;  he  surely  deserveth  thy  love  !  " 

11 1  will  try,  my  good  Eilika  !     I  will  strive  to  love  him, 


166  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

since  Count  Albreeht  wisheth  it,  but  — "  And  she  finished 
the  sentence  with  a  sigh. 

When  later  in  the  evening  Eilika  encountered  Bock  at 
the  stables,  he  immediately  asked  her, — 

"  Pray,  what  did  thy  mistress  say,  when  she  heard  Count 
Siegfried  was  to  come  back  to  us  ?  " 

"I  am  sure  she  loveth  him,"  answered  Eilika,  "only 
she  will  not  confess  it." 

"  Might  I  tell  him  so  to-morrow?"  inquired  Bock. 

"  It  could  do  no  harm  to  give  him  a  hint." 

u  H'm  !  I  will  take  care  of  it !  "  he  replied. 

As  the  pair  walked  on  side  by  side,  he  whispered, 
softly,  — 

"  I  believe,  dear  maiden,  thou  hast  left  thy  thimble  in 
the  arbor  ;  let  us  go  together  and  find  it." 

"I  believe,  Sir  Knight,  thou  hast  left  thy  wits  in  the 
arbor,"  answered  Eilika,  giving  his  long  mustache  a 
tweak  ;  "  go  and  find  it  by  thyself  !  " 

And  with  a  little  laugh,  she  slipped  away  in  the  dark- 
ness. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  167 


CHAPTER   XVIII. 

It  was  at  an  unusually  early  hour  that  the  provost  of 
the  cathedral,  Jordan  von  Donfus,  entered  Bishop  Al- 
breeht's  apartment,  and,  in  reply  to  the  latter's  surprised 
inquiry,  exclaimed, — 

"The  abbess  of  Quedlinburg  cometh  this  afternoon, 
reverend  lord,  to  make  thee  a  visit !  " 

"Abbess  Jutta?"  cried  the  bishop,  incredulously! 
"  Jordanus,  what  merry  partaker  of  Herbord  Moor's  ex- 
cellent wine  hath  told  thee  this  fairy  tale  ?  " 

"At  my  age  one  believeth  not  fairy  tales,"  said  the 
provost,  "  though  I  heard  the  tidings  from  Herbord  Moor 
himself.  The  chancellor  sent  the  news  to  his  friend  ;  I 
read  the  letter  with  my  own  eyes.  The  Abbess  Jutta  is 
coming  to  see  thee  to-day." 

The  bishop  stood  up.  "  Jordanus,  is  the  cathedral  still 
standing?" 

"  I  asked  myself  the  same  question,  when  I  heard  the 
news,"  observed  the  provost. 

"What  can  she  desire?"  said  the  bishop,  half  to  him- 
self, as  he  walked  to  and  fro,  pondering  the  matter. 
"  Hath  she  quarrelled  with  the  Regensteins,  or  cometh 
she  as  mediator  between  them  and  me  ?  " 

"  Certainly  not  the  latter,  with  the  count's  knowledge," 
answered  the  provost.  "And  —  wouldst  thou  allow  me 
to  counsel  thee?  do  not  tell  her  that  thou  hast  threatened 
Count  von  Regenstein  with  excommunication." 

"  I  understand,  Jordanus,"  said  the  bishop,  in  a  tone  of 
annovnnce.     "  It  was  a  mistake,  a  great  mistake," 


168  THE  ROBBER   COUNT. 

The  provost  shook  his  head  solemnly.  "One  should 
never  threaten  what  one  cannot  or  will  not  perform. " 

"  Thou  art  right ;  I  was  too  hasty,"  returned  the  bishop. 
u  If  I  could  only  conjecture  what  the  capricious  abbess 
wisheth  of  me  !  When  I  politely  invited  her,  she  refused 
to  come ;  and  now,  when  no  one  dreamed  of  seeing  her, 
she  maketh  her  appearance." 

"  She  must  not  know  that  the  chancellor  hath  privately 
informed  us  of  her  coming,"  remarked  the  provost.  "  If 
she  beggeth  anything  of  thee,  thou  canst  require  some- 
thing of  her  in  return." 

"  I  trust  she  may  come,  Jordanus  !  " 

"  And  do  not  let  her  cross  this  threshold  unsatisfied, 
reverend  sir,"  urged  Jordan. 

A  peculiar  smile  flitted  over  the  bishop's  face,  but  he 
said  nothing.  The  provost  bowed,  and  slowly  left  the 
room. 

M  The  old  man  is  right ;  one  should  not  indulge  in  vain 
threats,"  the  bishop  said  to  himself,  when  he  was  alone  ; 
u  neither  in  vain  requests.  But  hot  blood  floweth  in  her 
veins.     '  Fortes  fortuna  juvat !  '  " 

Two  days  after,  at  mid-day,  the  abbess's  cortege  rode  be- 
tween the  bishop's  guard,  drawn  up  on  either  side,  to  the 
gloomy  rambling  fortress,  its  court-yard  enclosed  by  high 
walls.  Master  Willekin  von  Herrkestorf  helped  Countess 
Jutta  to  alight  from  her  richly  caparisoned  palfrey,  and  two 
ecclesiastics  conducted  her  up  the  stairway  and  through 
the  porch  to  the  vaulted  corridor.  There  the  bishop  him- 
self met  her,  offered  her  his  hand,  and  led  her  into  the 
eame  room  in  which  the  interview  with  the  chancellor  took 
place,  when  he  brought  the  news  of  Jutta's  refusal  to 
attend  the  consecration. 

On  the  way  hither  the  abbess  had  been  quiet  and 
serious,  giving  only  short  answers  to  the  lively  talk  of  the 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  169 

chancellor,  who  much  feared  that  she  might  change  her 
mind,  even  now. 

The  old  city,  with  its  massive  ramparts  and  marshy 
moat,  its  embattled  parapet  and  sturdy  towers,  even 
stronger  than  those  of  Quedlinburg,  looked  gloomy  and 
forbidding.  Armed  to  the  teeth,  as  it  were,  it  seemed  to 
threaten  all  who  approached,  and  when  she  reached  the 
Kiihlinger  gate,  the  abbess  would  fain  have  turned  back 
had  she  not  promised  the  council  to  confer  with  the  bishop 
of  Halberstadt.  As  she  passed  through  the  long,  dimly 
lighted  passage,  her  heart  almost  failed  her.  She  felt  as 
if  destiny  were  leading  her  by  dark  ways  which  she 
should  never  retrace.  She  was  obliged  to  rehearse  all 
that  Count  Albrecht  had  done  to  displease  her,  lest  she 
should  not  adhere  to  her  purpose,  and  it  was  not  until  she 
entered  the  bishop's  handsomely  appointed  and  well- 
lighted  apartment,  that  she  regained  her  self-possession 
and  her  original  resolve.  The  bishop  closed  the  door  and 
dropped  a  heavy  curtain  over  it,  so  that  no  eavesdropper 
could  overhear  what  was  said  within.  He  was  now  alone 
with  the  abbess.  Upon  the  table,  between  a  comfortable 
folding  chair  and  a  cushioned  bench,  stood  a  silver  dish  of 
confections,  and  two  great  bowls  of  magnificent  roses, 
which  filled  the  room  with  fragrance. 

"  Didst  thou  expect  me,  my  lord?"  asked  the  abbess, 
looking  at  the  table. 

"Day  by  day,  Countess  Jutta,"  answered  the  bishop; 
"  as  one  expecteth  the  bright  sun  after  stormy  days." 

He  had  led  her  to  the  cushioned  settle,  and  seated  him- 
self opposite  her.  She  threw  aside  her  mantle,  and  her 
temporarily  secular  dress  set  off  the  perfect  beauty  of 
her  figure  to  great  advantage.  She  wore  a  closely  fitting 
blue  robe,  with  hanging  sleeves,  lined  with  white  silk 
open   from   the   elbows.     The    tight  under-sleeves  were 


170  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

amber-colored.  The  abbess's  cross  hung  by  a  golden  chain 
from  her  neck  ;  at  her  waist  she  wore  a  costly  girdle,  and 
in  her  dark  hair  a  jewelled  diadem.  The  bishop's  un- 
feigned admiration  was  not  lost  upon  her. 

"If  thou  hast  confidently  expected  me,"  she  said,  with 
an  air  of  surprise,  u  thou  must  also  know  why  I  come." 

"  If  I  do  know  or  conjecture  it,  my  lady,  I  would  yet 
prefer  to  hear  it  from  thine  own  gracious  lips." 

"  Count  von  Regenstein  hath  insulted  me,  and  I  have 
come  to  consult  thee  as  to  how  he  can  be  compelled  to 
respect  my  rights,"  answered  the  abbess,  with  a  slight 
tremulousness  of  voice. 

However  the  bishop  might  inwardly  rejoice,  there  was 
no  sign  of  it  in  his  face,  and  he  only  bowed  assentingly 
as  if  he  had  known  it  beforehand. 

"  Heretofore,  my  lady,  thou  hast  chosen  to  follow  the 
advice  of  the  haughty  count,  rather  than  that  of  thy  friend 
of  the  old  days  in  Friedrich's  court,"  he  said,  reproachfully  ; 
M  but  I  hope  thou  hast  not  forgotten  that  thou  canst  rule 
me  with  a  glance,  if  thou  wilt.  As  thou  hast  been  so 
friendly  to  the  count,  he  surely  owes  thee  every  respect, 
and  I  should  greatly  blame  thee  for  suffering  him  to  return 
thy  favors  with  insult  and  ingratitude." 

"  Count  Albrecht  is  the  protector  of  the  convent,"  said 
the  abbess,  embarrassed ;  "otherwise  he  would  have  had 
no  favors  from  me." 

"  I  consoled  myself  with  that  thought,  fair  princess," 
rejoined  the  bishop.  "  But  how  thinkest  thou  that  I  can 
help  thee  against  the  count?  " 

"  Not  help,  so  much  as  counsel,"  suggested  Jutta.  "  I 
wish  thy  advice  concerning  Laumburg.  Count  Albrecht 
seized  it  without  my  knowledge,  and  hath  given  the  com- 
mand to  his  brother,  to  which  I  will  not  submit.  I  wish 
to  have  no  Regenstein  there  ;  least  of  all,  Siegfried." 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  171 

"  Least  of  all,  Siegfried  !  "  repeated  the  bishop.  M  Hath 
he  also  aggrieved  thee  ?  " 

M  Nay,  but —  "     She  stopped  and  hesitated. 

"  But  thou  dost  not  wish  him  at  Lauenburg?  " 

"  I  said  so,"  she  replied,  impatiently.  "  Leutfred  is 
dead  ;  and  I  would  like  now  to  invest  Count  Albrecht  or 
the  city  of  Quedlinburg  with  the  castle,  but  —  " 

"  I  would  give  it  to  neither,"  said  the  bishop,  quickly, 
l*.  for  they  are  both  too  powerful  already  for  our  well- 
being." 

"But  only  upon  one  condition,"  the  abbess  continued, 
without  noticing  the  interruption. 

"  And  pray  what  may  that  be  ?  " 

The  abbess  hesitated  and  looked  at  her  shapely  gold- 
embroidered  shoes,  which  happened  to  peep  from  beneath 
her  robe.  "  Thou  knowest  that  Count  Albrecht,  despite 
my  pressing  remonstrances,  is  resolved  to  detain  Countess 
Oda  at  Regenstein,  and  her  release  is  the  one  condition 
upon  which  I  will  part  with  Lauenburg." 

"Knowest  thou  Count  Albrecht's  reason  for  keeping 
possession  of  the  Countess  von  Falkenstein?"  asked  the 
bishop. 

The  abbess  looked  at  him  keenly,  as  if  pondering  how 
far  it  was  safe  to  trust  him.  M  The  count  hath  informed 
me  that  he  hopeth  Countess  Oda  may  wed  his  brother 
Siegfried." 

"And  then  sendeth  him  away  from  her  to  Lauenburg  !  " 
exclaimed  the  bishop.  "Strange!  Most  strange!  My 
lady,  believest  thou  this  ?  " 

"  Nay  !  It  is  naught  but  an  excuse  ! "  cried  the  abbess, 
indignantly. 

"Thou  thinkest,  then,  that  he  only  wisheth  to  get  pos- 
session of  the  demesne." 

"With  the  countess!"    cried  Jutta,  excitedly;  "and 


172  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

thou  must  not  allow  it,  for  I  know  that  it  hath  been 
promised  thee." 

The  bishop  bit  his  lips,  to  suppress  an  exclamation  at 
the  happy  discovery  which  had  just  been  made  to  him. 

The  abbess  had  completely  betrayed  herself.  It  was 
jealousy  of  Oda  which  had  driven  her  to  Halberstadt,  and 
prepared  her  to  take  this  step  against  her  disloyal  friend 
and  his  sworn  enemy.  So  reasoned  the  crafty  bishop. 
And  further,  if  the  count  had  deserted  her,  he  would  now 
have  an  opportunity  to  win  her  favor,  for  which  he  eagerly 
longed.  On  this  account,  it  would  be  for  his  interest  that 
Siegfried  should  remain  at  Lauenburg  and  Oda  at  Regen- 
stein.  But  the  earldom  !  If  either  Albrecht  or  Siegfried 
married  her,  her  inheritance  would  never  be  suffered  to 
pass  into  other  hands.  It  was  difficult  to  give  advice. 
Desire  for  Falkenstein,  which  Count  IToycr  had  promised 
him,  as  well  for  the  beautiful  woman  who  now  sat  so 
near  him  in  all  her  charms,  struggled  for  mastery  in  the 
breast  of  the  passionate  and  ambitious  churchman,  and 
his  rage  increased  against  Count  Albrecht,  who  had  so 
often  crossed  his  path.  But  at  this  moment  neither  his 
foe  nor  the  fortress  of  Falkenstein  were  before  his  eyes, 
but  only  the  fascinating  Jutta,  who  appeared  to  him 
doubly  attractive  in  her  anger,  and  whom,  through  her 
thirst  for  retaliation,  he  hoped  the  more  easily  to  win. 

After  a  long  pause,  he  began,  — 

"  I  fail  to  discover,  my  dear  abbess,  in  what  way  I  can 
right  thee.  I  have  also  demanded  in  vain  the  release  of 
the  Countess  Oda,  in  the  name  of  her  brother.  It  appear- 
eth  to  me  that  the  maiden  doth  not  wish  to  leave  Regen- 
stein,  for  she  is  allowed  perfect  freedom,  and  still  she  doth 
not  choose  to  go  to  the*.  Thy  suspicion  is,  therefore,  not 
unfounded  ;  and  the  best  counsel  I  can  give  thee  is  to 
trouble  thyself  no  more  about  her,  but  enjoy  thy  youth 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  173 

while  thou  canst,  and  gladden  with  thy  beauty  those  who 
know  how  to  appreciate  thee  better  than  thy  cold-blooded, 
purblind  protector." 

He  accompanied  these  words  with  looks  of  admira- 
tion, and  Jutta  returned  his  glance  with  an  enchanting 
smile. 

"  Duke  Albrecht,"  said  she,  "  thou  art  the  same  flatterer 
in  the  bishop's  violet  robe  that  thou  wert  formerly  at  Wart- 
burg  in  thy  gold-embroidered  page's  doublet." 

u  How  can  one  help  it,  sitting  opposite  the  most  beauti- 
ful woman  in  the  Holy  Empire?  The  landgravine,  Ma- 
thilde's  former  page,  often  recalleth  the  happy  hours  he 
passed  by  the  side  of  her  dark-haired  maid  of  honor.  Let 
us  be  good  friends  again,  and,  under  the  veil  of  secrecy, 
become  one  in  heart  and  soul !  " 

"An  original  thought,  my  good  lord  !  A  bishop  and  an 
abbess  hidden  together  under  the  veil  of  secrecy  !  "  laughed 
Jutta. 

"  What  could  we  not  accomplish  together,  if  we  had  the 
will ! "  he  exclaimed,  gazing  fixedly  at  her. 

"  And  the  power,"  added  she. 

"  The  power  !  And  art  thou  not  aware  of  the  boundless 
sway  of  thy  captivating  beauty?  "  cried  the  bishop. 

She  looked  at  him  for  a  moment,  as  if  considering 
whether  or  not  she  should  test  her  power  over  him.  Then 
bending  her  head  over  the  roses  on  the  table,  she  closed 
her  eyes,  and  deeply  inhaled  their  perfume,  as  if  she  would 
yield  herself  to  their  intoxication. 

"  More  charming  than  roses,  thou  transporteth  me  to 
the  seventh  heaven !  "  And  the  bishop  seized  her  hand 
and  carried  it  to  his  lips. 

''Remain  upon  earth!  Thou  art  not  yet  ready  for 
heaven,  I  fear,  dear  friend,"  said  she,  with  a  smile 
which  set  his  brain  in  a  whirl. 


174  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

' 4  The  only  heaven  I  would  know  is  that  into  which  thou 
canst  admit  me  !  Countess  Jutta,  a  word  from  thee,  and 
my  wish  and  thine  are  fulfilled  !  " 

"  What  wish  is  that,  Duke  Albrecht?  " 

"  To  make  Count  Albrecht  feel  how  he  hath  wronged 
thee." 

She  said,  half  to  herself, — 

"He  hath  never  made  me  any  pledges  !  " 

u  But  your  names  have  long  been  coupled,  and  he 
boasteth  of  thy  love  for  him,"  answered  the  bishop. 

"It  is  not  possible  !  "  she  cried,  reddening.  "  I  have 
given  him  no  cause  to  say  such  things  ! " 

"  So  much  the  more  shame  to  him  !  He  hath  used  thee 
basely ;  hath  let  thee  hope,  and  wait,  and  all  the  while 
hath  never  thought  of  making  thee  his.  How  doth  it  suit 
thee  to  be  called  the  rejected  Jutta?" 

The  abbess  was  about  to  rise  up,  wrathfully,  but  his 
gaze  held  her  spell-bound.  She  sat  there  trembling  with 
agitation,  while  the  bishop  watched  her,  lynx- like,  to  ob- 
serve the  effect  of  his  lies. 

Finally,  she  shook  her  head,  and  said,  resolutely,  — 

"  It  is  not  possible  !     Thou  doeth  him  injustice  !  " 

"Thou  defeudeth  him  still?"  said  the  bishop,  with  a 
cynical  smile.  "Well,  thou  shouldst  know  what  he  think  - 
eth  of  thee,  and,  mayhap  —  Countess  Oda  —  " 

"Oda!" 

"Yes,  Oda,  who  is  with  him  at  Regenstein,  and  to 
whom,  perchance,  he  boasteth  of  thy  favor." 

"  Ah !  if  I  were  sure  of  that !  "  muttered  the  abbess. 

"  How  canst  thou  doubt  it?  I  would  avenge  myself,  if 
I  were  thou,  instead  of  sighing ;  and  thou  hast  only  to 
speak  the  word." 

"  How  wouldst  thou  avenge  me?  "  she  asked,  quickly. 

"  That  shall  be  my  care,  but  I  shall  claim  my  reward  ; 


THE  ROB  HER  COUNT.  175 

and  as  I  shall  hesitate  at  nothing,  thou  shouldst  refuse 
me  nothing,"  he  answered,  in  a  low  voice. 

She  looked  at  him  a  moment,  as  if  endeavoring  to  grasp 
the  meaning  of  his  words.  Then,  frightened  at  his  ex- 
pression, she  suddenly  realized  that  he  was  leading  her  to 
the  brink  of  an  abyss. 

"  Nay,  Bishop  Albrecht !  "  she  said,  rising  quickly.  "  I 
did  not  desire  this,  when  I  asked  for  counsel !  " 

"  I  am  read}'  to  aid  thee  in  all  things,"  he  continued. 
"  Believe  me,  the  count  is  dangerous  to  us  both,  and  he  is 
merely  trifling  with  thee.  Let  us  make  a  compact: 
united,  we  shall  be  invincible.  Let  the  faithless  count  go  ! 
Forget  him,  as  he  hath  forgotten  thee !  In  this  breast 
beateth  a  heart  which  is  thine.  Ah !  Jutta,  how  happy 
we  might  be  together,  wert  thou  only  willing." 

She  drew  back  alarmed,  and  putting  up  her  hands  as  if 
in  defence,  she  cried,  — 

"Nay;  I  will  make  no  compact  with  thee!  Rather 
would  I  myself  protect  the  count  against  thee  !  " 

"  Against  me?  "  and  he  gave  her  a  searching  glance. 
u  Dost  thou  repulse  thy  truest  ally?  Wouldst  thou  wear 
the  robber  count's  fetters  rather  than  enjoy  life  with  him 
who  hath  always  adored  thee  ?  " 

"  I  wear  no  one's  fetters,  nor  will  I  wear  thine !  "  she 
answered. 

11  Thou  indulgeth  hopes  that  will  never  be  fulfilled," 
said  the  bishop,  decidedly.  "  Cast  them  aside,  lest  thou 
art  forced  to  acknowledge  thyself  betrayed  and  forsaken. 
Bow  not  down  to  a  deceitful  idol." 

"  Thinkest  thou  it  would  be  easier  for  me  to  bow  down 
before  thee?" 

11  If  I  obtain  what  thou  wishest  and  gratify  thy  desires, 
I  have  a  right  to  demand  somewhat,"  returned  the  bishop. 

"Demand  where  thou  canst  exact  payment!  T  owe 
thee  nothing  !  " 


176  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

'•Who  desireth  revenge,  thou  or  I?"  he  asked,  with 
knitted  brow. 

"  Not  I !  "  she  replied,  vehemently.  "I  came  to  thee 
on  behalf  of  the  town  council,  which  wisheth  to  free 
itself  from  Count  Albrecht,  and  hopeth  for  thine  aid  !  " 

"  Since  when  hast  thou  constituted  thyself  the  ambas- 
sador of  the  burgomaster  and  council?  "  asked  the  bishop, 
sarcastically. 

"  Thou  knowest  why  I  came.  Wert  thou  not  expecting 
me?" 

' '  Yes  ;  but  not  on  their  behalf.  What  care  I  for  the 
quarrel  between  Quedlinburg  and  its  feudal  chief?  Let 
them  rid  themselves  of  him  as  they  can !  It  appeareth 
to  me  that  thou  art  most  concerned  about  the  young 
Countess  von  Falkenstein,"  he  observed,  with  a  sardonic 
smile. 

"  I  wished  advice  also  on  that  score,"  said  the  abbess, 
reddening;  "  but  I  do  not  buy  it,  my  lord,"  she  added, 
defiantly. 

"  Well,  then,  listen  to  my  counsel,"  answered  Bishop 
Albrecht,  coolly,  while  a  scornful  expression  played 
about  his  mouth.  "  Allow  the  admirable  count  to  keep 
the  castle  ;  perchance  he  may  take  the  city  likewise.  Let 
him  also  keep  Countess  Oda,  if  thou  canst  not  prevent 
him,  and  spend  the  rest  of  thy  life  in  prayer  and  peni- 
tence, and  may  Heaven  grant  thee  a  blessed  end." 

"  I  thank  thee  for  thy  lofty  counsel,  which  could  not  be 
otherwise,  coming  from  so  holy  a  prel  ite,"  said  Jutta,  in 
suppressed  anger,  while  she  drew  her  mantle  about  her. 

"  It  is  always  at  thy  service,  my  lady,"  replied  the 
bishop,  with  cutting  courtesy.  "Whenever  thou  sendest 
for  me,  I  am  at  thy  service." 

"  I  will  not  forget  it,  most  reverend  sir,"  said  she,  as 
she  left  the  room,  and  her  words  sounded  like  a  menace. 


THE  KOBBFM  COUNT.  177 

The  bishop  had  raised  the  curtain,  and  opened  the  door 
with  his  own  hand,  and  as  he  closed  it  behind  her,  he 
said  to  himself,  — 

"  Sunshine  and  storm  quickly  following  each  other,  as 
of  old  !  But  no  tree  falleth  at  the  first  stroke.  She  will 
send  for  me  in  time  of  need,  and  the  day  will  come  yet ! 
1  Demand  where  thou  canst  compel  payment,'  said  she. 
Ah  !  thou  wilt  pay  me  yet !  "  and  he  laughed  quietly. 
"What  harm  if  she  should  warn  Count  Albrecht !  He 
knoweth  how  I  love  him,  and  it  suiteth  me  well  the  Qued- 
linburgers  should  quarrel  with  him  now.  I  hope  that  Jutta 
knoweth  nothing  of  my  understanding  with  them  —  but 
Countess  Oda !  We  must  get  her  into  a  convent.  No 
Regenstein  must  marry  her.  I  shall  be  forced  to  paint 
hell  a  little  redder  for  our  friend  Hoyer." 

When  the  abbess  was  again  in  the  saddle,  she  said  to 
the  chancellor, — 

"  Set  not  thy  hopes  upon  Lauenburg,  Master  Willekin  ! 
The  bishop  will  not  help  thee ;  he  hath  advised  me  to  let 
Count  Albrecht  hold  it  in  fee." 

"Is  that  the  bishop's  advice,  my  lady?"  asked  the 
chancellor,  astonished. 

She  made  no  answer,  but  made  her  horse  trot  on  in 
advance,  so  as  to  pursue  her  own  thoughts  undisturbed. 
She  had  now  taken  a  step  which  could  not  be  retraced. 
Oh !  that  she  had  not ;  that  she  had  followed  the  warning 
impulse  which  urged  her  to  return  as  she  entered  the  gate 
of  Halberstadt!  What  had  she  obtained  by  this  visit? 
Absolutely  nothing.  She  had  betrayed  to  the  bishop  her 
passion  for  Count  Albrecht  and  her  jealousy  of  Oda  ;  and 
he  would  use  the  knowledge  to  further  his  own  ends. 
On  the  other  hand,  she  had  made  the  discovery  that  she 
still  held  his  heart  in  thrall,  and  this  furnished  her  with  a 
weapon,  in  case  of  need.     He  had  not  shocked  her   by 


178  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

pleading  for  her  love  in  return,  for  though  she  had  given 
him  no  right  to  look  for  it,  yet  their  former  intimacy 
might  be  considered  to  deprive  it  of  any  ground  of  offence. 
She  would  not  now  confess  to  herself  how  near  she  had 
been  to  betraying  Count  Albrecht  to  the  bishop,  and 
accepting  the  aid  of  his  bitterest  foe  against  him.  She 
persuaded  herself  that  she  had  only  carried  out  her  prom- 
ise to  the  councillors,  without  having  any  other  object  in 
view.  But  when  she  contrasted  the  deceitful  nature  of 
the  bishop,  full  of  artifice  and  capable  of  any  crime,  with 
the  outspoken  count,  who  was  at  least  always  frank  and 
magnanimous,  she  could  not  but  feel  humiliated  at  the 
thought  of  having  appealed  to  the  former  as  against 
the  latter.  Her  indignation  at  Count  Albrecht,  whom 
the  bishop  had  so  slandered,  had  once  more  disappeared, 
and  in  her  complete  change  of  temper  she  felt  that  she 
owed  him  satisfaction.  She  now  thought  herself  justified 
in  giving  him  Lauenburg  in  fief,  especially  as  she  had 
originally  destined  it  for  him.  As  exp:ation  for  her  dis- 
loyalty, she  would  pardon  his  violence,  and  thus  heap 
coals  of  fire  on  his  head. 

To  her  eyes,  peace  seemed  to  rest  upon  the  landscape 
everywhere,  and  the  fields  of  corn  waved  in  the  soft 
breeze.  On  the  right,  the  dark  blue  mountain  range 
stretched  along  the  horizon,  while  nearer  wooded  hills 
rose  up  behind  one  another  from  the  fertile  plain.  Before 
them  lay  Quedlinburg,  with  its  walls  and  towers,  and  the 
abbess  returned  with  a  somewhat  lightened  heart. 

As  the  bishop  had  declined  to  meddle  in  the  quarrel 
between  Count  Albrecht  and  the  city,  she  hoped  herself 
to  make  peace  between  them,  and  now  deliberated  by 
what  means  she  should  appease  the  council  and  towns- 
folk. 

Suddenly  she  reined  in  her  palfrey,  and  turning  to  the 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  179 


x 


chancellor,  who  followed  her  at  a  little  distance,  asked, 
"  Who  are  those  riders  yonder?  " 

"Count  Siegfried  von  Regenstein  and  Bock  von  Schlan 
stedt,  with  three  horsemen,"  answered  Master  Willekin. 

"  Count  Siegfried!  Thou  must  be  mistaken,  Master 
Chancellor.     What  should  bring  him  here?  " 

"  I  cannot  be  mistaken,  my  lady,"  he  answered. 

And  as  their  men  rode  up  and  joined  them,  they  all 
agreed  that  it  was  surely  Count  Siegfried  and  Knight 
Bock,  with  three  of  the  "  Wicked  Seven." 

Jutta  was  herself  convinced  they  were  right,  as  they 
approached  nearer,  while  the  youngest  of  the  Regensteins 
spurred  his  horse  into  a  gallop  and  rode  straight  toward 
them.  This  meeting  was  not  agreeable  to  her,  but  she 
could  not  well  avoid  it  here  m  the  open  valley.  She  there- 
fore remained  where  she  was,  waiting  for  Siegfried  to  over- 
take her.  He  saluted  her  courteously,  as  soon  as  he  was 
near  enough,  and  cried  out,  joyfully,  "The  relieved 
castellan  offers  fervent  thanks  for  his  release  !  " 

"I  understand  thee  not,  Sir  Count,"  replied  Jutta,  sur- 
prised 

"Oh!  I  know  about  It,"  laughed  the  youth;  "it  is 
owing  solely  to  thy  wish  that  Albrecht  hath  sent  another 
castellan  to  Lauenburg,  and  summoned  me  back  to 
Regenstein." 

44  Who  told  thee  so?" 

"  My  brother  himself,  my  lady.  He  sent  me  the 
message  by  Bock,  and  thou  couldst  not  have  given  me  a 
greater  pleasure." 

"  And  thou  thinkest  that  it  was  my  wish  alone  that 
determined  Count  Albrecht  to  recall  thee?"  she  asked, 
still  incredulous. 

Siegfried  brought  his  horse  a  little  closer  to  the  abbess, 
and  said,  softly,  "  It  is  true,  Albrecht  hath  another  reason. 


180  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

How  shall  I  say  it  to  thee?  Thou  knowest,  my  lady,  that 
Countess  Oda  is  at  Regenstein,  and  Albrecht  wisheth  that 
I  —  that  I  should  be  her  constant  companion ;  he  hath 
himself  charged  me  to  be  her  true  knight,  and  bidden  me 
seek  for  her  favor,  and,  my  lady,  I  am  only  too  glad  to 
obey  him,"  he  concluded,  shortly. 

Jutta  could  scarcely  trust  her  ears  ;  but  her  heart  beat 
violently,  and  her  agitation  would  only  allow  her  to  ask, 
"  Hath  Count  Albrecht  said  all  this  to  thee  himself?  " 

"Yea,  indeed,"  answered  Siegfried,  "through  honest 
Bock,  who  hath  made  his  own  addition.  And  it  is  almost 
too  much  to  believe,"  he  added,  in  the  fulness  of  his 
heart. 

"Hasten  home,  then,"  laughed  the  abbess,  overjoyed 
herself  at  what  she  had  heard.  "  And,  Count  Siegfried, 
give  my  love  and  greeting  to  thy  brother !  " 

She  hardly  knew  what  she  said,  and  without  waiting 
for  the  young  count's  farewell,  she  struck  her  horse  and 
galloped  off  at  a  headlong  pace. 

The  chancellor  shook  his  gray  head,  understanding 
nothing  of  what  had  passed  between  her  and  Siegfried, 
and  followed  her  also  at  a  gallop.  And  the  armed  men 
clattered  after  them  on  their  heavy  beasts,  throwing  up 
the  dust  behind  them. 

On  arriving  at  the  court-yard,  the  abbess  sprang  from 
her  steaming  palfrey  without  assistance,  flew  up  the  steps 
and  through  the  corridors  to  her  own  room,  locking  the 
door  hastily  behind  her. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  181 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

With  a  resounding  blast  of  his  horn,  the  warder 
announced  Siegfried's  arrival  at  Regenstein,  and  the 
latter  waved  him  a  friendly  salutation. 

"  God  be  thanked  !  There  he  is,  and  now  all  will  be 
well,,,  said  Count  Albrecht  to  himself,  as  he  heard  the  horn. 

But  Oda  started  at  the  unwelcome  sound  which  heralded 
the  return  of  the  castle's  darling,  whom,  alas!  all  wel- 
comed back  but  herself. 

Nevertheless,  when  she  descended  into  the  court-yard 
with  Albrecht  to  receive  him,  and  she  saw  his  handsome 
face  lighted  with  love  and  happiness,  she  returned  his 
look  and  greeting  with  a  warmth  which  almost  turned 
his  head. 

It  was  she  who  first  found  words. 

UI  expected  thee  to  return  with  the  famous  flower  of 
Lauenburg  in  thy  hand,"  she  said,  smiling.  uHast  thou 
not  found  it?  " 

"  I  have  not  searched  for  the  flower  of  Lauenburg,"  he 
answered,  gazing  at  her.  M  I  thought  only  of  the  lily  at 
Regenstein." 

She  cast  down  her  eyes,  but  raised  them  again  to 
Albrecht' s  face,  when  he  said,  u  I  have  cared  for  her  as 
well  as  I  could,  but  yet  hath  she  drooped  a  little." 

Siegfried  regarded  this  as  a  clear  proof  of  her  love  for 
him,  and  said,  cheerily,  "  Thou  must  do  so  no  more,  dear 
Countess.  We  will  ride  out  hawking,  hunting,  and  fishing, 
and  we  will  amuse  ourselves  with  pleasant  pastimes  for 
which  our  good  Albrecht,  who  taketh  care  of  us  all,  hath 
no  time." 


182  .  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

His  brother  nodded  affectionately  at  him. 

"  And  thou  art  right  glad  to  be  at  home  again,  Sieg- 
fried? "  said  he. 

"  Thou  seest  how  glad  I  am,"  laughed  the  young  count. 
"  I  can  be  castellan  here  when  thou  art  away  fighting  or 
making  peace  with  bishop  or  lady  abbess.  Before  I  forget 
it,  — she  sendeth  thee  a  friendly  greeting,  Albrecht." 

4 4  Who  ?     The  abbess  ?     To  me  ?  " 

"  Yea !  I  met  her  near  Quedlinburg,  with  the  chan- 
cellor and  six  horsemen,  coming  from  Halberstadt." 

"  From  Halberstadt!  What  was  she  doing  in  Halber- 
stadt?" 

k4  I  know  not.  She  would  hardly  believe  me  when  I 
told  her  that  thou  hadst  recalled  me  because  she  wished 
it,  and  I  thanked  her  for  it." 

44  That  is  right,"  said  Albrecht,  and  he  glanced  at  Oda, 
who  stood  beside  them,  quietly  listening. 

u  So  Eilika  was  right,"  she  thought  to  herself,  "  when 
she  asserted  that  Albrecht  does  everything  the  abbess 
wishes." 

The  count  mused  over  Jutta's  ride  to  Halberstadt,  but 
could  think  of  no  explanation  of  it.  Her  friendly  greet- 
ing for  him  was  much  easier  to  understand. 

44  Did  Ursula  know,  brother,  that  I  was  to  return 
to-da}-?"  asked  Siegfried. 

As  Albrecht,  lost  in  thought,  did  not  answer,  Oda 
replied  instead,  44  Every  one  is  prepared  for  thee,  Count 
Siegfried ;  but  lay  aside  thine  armor ;  Ursula  hath  in 
readiness  such  a  meal  for  thee  as  would  make  amends 
for  starvation  at  Lauenburg." 

u  It  was  not  far  from  that,'  he  laughed  ;  44  when  we 
needed  a  roast,  we  must  go  out  into  the  forest  and  shoot 
something." 

44  I  must  speak  a  word  with  Ursula,"  said  Oda,  hasten- 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  183 

ing  away,  while   Siegfried   looked   after  her  with  eager 
eyes. 

Albrecht  followed  his  brother  to  his  room,  to  question 
him  about  affairs  at  Lauenburg,  while  he  changed  his 
clothiug.  The  count  glanced  around  hastily,  and  ob- 
served that  no  fresh  nosegay,  such  as  greeted  him  on  his 
return  home,  stood  upon  Siegfried's  table. 

They  soon  descended  to  the  hall,  and  seated  themselves 
cheerfully  at  the  well-spread  board. 

Blissful  days  now  came  for  Siegfried.  He  devoted 
himself  to  Oda,  early  and  late,  and  endeavored  to  make 
her  happy  in  all  ways,  finding  her  ever  kind  and  cheer 
ful.  He  liked  best  to  walk  with  Oda  through  the 
forest.  There  they  would  wander  beneath  the  shade  of 
the  old  oaks  and  beeches,  often  finding  themselves,  with- 
out intending  it,  at  the  Michaelstein  monastery.  The  first 
time  they  came,  Siegfried  took  his  companion  into  the 
cloisters,  ornamented  with  beautifully  sculptured  foliage, 
and  showed  her  the  memorial  stones  of  his  ancestors,  the 
counts  and  countesses  of  Regenstein,  who  had  died  during 
the  last  two  centuries. 

The  worthy  abbot,  with  long  white  beard,  would  invite 
them  into  the  refectory  to  partake  of  a  refreshing  draught 
of  milk,  while  his  eyes  rested  benignantly  upon  the  youth- 
ful pair,  whom  he  secretly  hoped  and  believed  to  be  des- 
tined for  one  another.  They  liked  to  sit  beside  the 
murmuring  brook  or  the  monastery  pond,  overhung  by 
alders  and  tall  rushes,  and  Oda  was  never  tired  of  gazing 
at  the  snow-white  water  lilies  floating  on  the  surface  amid 
their  great  round  leaves. 

On  the  way  home,  their  hearts  full  of  the  happim  ss  of 
youth,  Siegfried  would  oftentimes  think  that  the  right 
moment  had  come  for  him  to  speak.  But  the  young 
knight,  so  fearless  before  an  enemy,  had  not  the  courage 


184  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

to  confess  his  love  to  this  maiden.  More  than  once  he 
had  begun,  "Countess  Oda ! "  but  she,  alarmed  at  his 
solemn  tone,  would  look  at  him  with  such  deprecating 
eves  that  he  would  become  confused  and  give  his  sentence 
a  different  ending  from  that  which  he  had  at  first  in- 
tended, while  Oda  breathed  a  sigh  of  relief. 

One  day,  however,  when  she  seemed  especially  friendly, 
he  ventured  for  once  to  ask  his  shy  question.  They  were 
on  the  eastern  declivity  of  Regenstein,  where  young  oak- 
trees  grew  scattered  among  the  rocks.  Their  tender 
shoots  were  of  a  beautiful  ruddy  hue,  and  as  Oda  sat 
with  Siegfried  in  the  shadow  of  a  spreading  branch,  she 
wove  them  into  a  wreath,  and  with  a  jesting  allusion  to 
the  Ballenstedt  tournament,  placed  it  upon  his  blond 
head.  He  looked  handsome  enough  in  this  sylvan  guise, 
and  as  he  lay  stretched  upon  the  ground,  supporting 
himself  with  one  arm,  a  sunbeam  glanced  through  the 
foliage,  and  touching  his  hair  in  the  midst  of  the  red 
wreath,  changed  it  to  gold.  Oda  surveyed  him  furtively 
as  she  arranged  some  wild  flowers  she  had  gathered, 
while  he  seemed  absorbed  in  thought,  icll\r  plucking  hand- 
fuls  of  grass  now  and  then.  After  a  long  silence,  he 
exclaimed,  "Is  it  not  beautiful  here,  Oda?  Couldst 
thou  not  be  content  to  sta}^  here  always  ?  " 

"  Ah!  forever!  "  she  answered,  enthusiastically,  with- 
out stopping  to  think. 

Siegfried  started  up.     "  Truly?     Forever,  Oda?" 

"  Yea,  as  long  as  I  live,"  she  cried,  not  reflecting  how 
he  might  interpret  her  words  or  the  significance  of  his 
question. 

Siegfried  seized  her  hand  and  stammered,  with  a  look 
of  impassioned  love,  "And  with  me,  Oda?" 

She  looked  up  in  consternation,  understanding  him  now 
only  too  well. 


TIIE  ROBBER  COUNT.  185 

"  For  Heaven's  sake,  Siegfried,  what  have  I  said?" 
she  cried  in  distress.  "  Do  not  ask  me  !  Thon  dost  not 
wish  to  pain  me  !  Thou  knowest  not  —  I  cannot  answer 
thee  —  indeed  I  cannot." 

But  Siegfried's  hopes  spread  their  wings,  and  carried 
him  up  to  the  seventh  heaven.  Never  before  had  he 
heard  her  utter  such  words  as  these.  Her  present  distress 
he  regarded  as  maidenly  embarrassment,  the  result  of 
a  natural  struggle  with  her  own  heart,  and  he  resolved 
not  to  importune  her  for  the  moment,  but  wait  patiently 
till  she  was  better  prepared  to  hear  him,  and  to  acknowl- 
edge that  she  loved  him  in  return. 

As  he  spent  so  much  of  his  time  now  with  his  charming 
companion,  Count  Albrecht  was  obliged  to  remind  him  not 
to  neglect  his  accustomed  knightly  exercises,  and  Sieg- 
fried listened  not  unwillingly  to  his  warning,  glad  to  dis- 
play his  skill  in  riding  and  tilting. 

In  front  of  the  upper  castle  was  a  large  open  space, 
where  masters  and  men  were  used  to  practise. 

Here  Siegfried  and  Bock  one  clay  had  a  tilting  match. 
They  were  armed  with  light  breastplates,  triangular 
shields,  and  leathern  helmets,  covered  with  iron  or  brass. 
The  points  of  their  spears  were  blunted  with  large  oakum- 
wound  buttons,  so  that  they  could  unseat  one  another 
without  inflicting  serious  wounds.  The  spectators  were 
Albrecht,  Oda,  and  Eilika,  besides  several  of  the  castle 
retainers.  Bock  was  Siegfried's  superior  in  jousting, 
but,  too  polite  to  allow  the  lookers-on  to  observe  it,  he 
spared  his  young  master  when  he  could.  Both  endeav- 
ored to  shine  in  the  eyes  of  the  ladies,  who  followed  the 
rapid  movements  of  the  horses,  the  well  aimed  thrusts 
and  clever  parrying,  with  great  interest,  and  greeted  with 
applause  every  advantage  gained  by  one  or  the  other. 

Now  and  then  Albrecht  called  out  a  word  of  encourage- 


186  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

ment  or  suggestion  to  Siegfried.  Meanwhile,  he  ordered 
a  servant  to  saddle  his  own  horse,  and  bring  him  his  tilt- 
ing spear  and  other  equipments.  When  they  were  brought 
he  armed  himself,  and  challenged  Siegfried,  who  con- 
sented rather  unwillingly,  as  he  well  knew  he  could  not 
stand  his  ground  against  Albrecht. 

Suspense,  in  part  pleasurable,  partly  painful,  took  pos- 
session of  Oda  as  the  brothers  met ;  with  glowing  cheeks 
she  watched  every  movement,  and  started  at  every 
encounter  of  lances.  In  her  heart  she  hoped  the  elder 
would  be  victorious,  but  yet  she  would  spare  Siegfried 
discomfiture  At  first  Albrecht  appeared  to  act  the  part 
of  instructor,  and  parried  Siegfried's  blows  with  playful 
dexterity,  while  he  kept  his  seat  immovably,  and  the 
younger  broke  more  than  one  lance.  But  as  the  latter 
became  insensibly  irritated  at  his  brother's  evident  for- 
bearance, and  his  attacks  grew  more  fiery  and  impetuous, 
Albrecht  grasped  his  weapon  firmly,  rode  sharply  at  Sieg- 
fried, and  with  a  powerful  thrust,  threw  him  from  the 
saddle. 

Oda  gave  a  little  cry  of  distress,  and  would  have  even 
gone  to  his  assistance  if  Eilika  had  not  held  her  back, 
while  Siegfried  quickly  rose  to  his  feet. 

Albrecht  noticed  Oda's  reproachful  glance,  as  well  as 
her  exclamation,  and  he  regretted  that  he  had  unseated 
Siegfried  so  summarily. 

"  How  dost  thou,  Siegfried?"  he  called  out. 

"  Whole  and  sound,"  replied  the  other,  without  a  touch 
of  ill-feeling;   "  but  I  can  ride  no  more  to-day." 

The  sudden  fall  must  have  wrenched  him  somewhat, 
for  he  limped  a  little,  which  Oda  observed  with  sympathy. 

Count  Albrecht  now  hailed  Bock,  perhaps  to  dispel  his 
own  dissatisfaction  at  having  unseated  Siegfried,  or  that 
Siegfried   might   not  remain   the   only   vanquished   one. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  187 

"Come,  Bock,  it  is  long  since  we  have  tilted  together; 
prepare  to  defend  thyself,  therefore  !  " 

11  That  will  I  do,  Sir  Count/'  answered  the  knight, 
groaning  as  he  fastened  his  helmet,  for  he  feared  that  his 
fate  was  sealed. 

They  rode  to  the  opposite  ends  of  the  lists,  and  now 
began  an  exciting  jonst  for  the  by-standers,  for  they  were 
both  adroit  tilters.  It  was  a  great  gratification  to  his  fol- 
lowers, who  continually  swelled  the  group  of  spectators, 
to  see  their  lord  encounter  the  boastful  knight.  All 
hoped  their  master  would  come  off  victor,  and  that  the 
doughty  Bock  would  get  a  lesson  which  would  humble  him. 

At  almost  every  onset,  the  lance-heads  clashed  fairly 
against  the  shields  of  the  jousters,  who  were  shaken,  but 
yet  kept  their  seats,  but  presently  the  count  succeeded, 
by  a  particularly  well- aimed  and  stalwart  blow,  in  bring- 
ing Bock  to  the  ground.  Triumphant  cheers  greeted  the 
victor.  Oda  waved  her  scarf  to  him,  and  her  heart  was 
elated.  Eilika  was  glad  that  it  had  cost  the  count  some 
pains  to  unseat  her  devoted  Bock,  and  yet  more  so  to  see 
him  get  up  unharmed. 

"  Console  thyself,  Bock  !  "  cried  the  count,  wiping  Ins 
brow ;  • '  nought  doth  more  honor  to  the  teacher  than  to 
have  his  pupil  outstrip  him  ! " 

"Yea,  verily!"  replied  Bock.  "I  know  that  thrust 
well !  "  and  he  stretched  his  long  limbs  and  congratulated 
himself  that  he  had  come  off  so  easily. 

Oda  was  always  most  friendly  to  Siegfried  in  Albrecht's 
presence,  but  to-day  sin  was  more  cordial  than  usual,  so 
that  neither  of  the  brothers  could  fail  to  notice  it.  Both 
divined  her  motive,  which  was  to  console  the  younger  for 
his  defeat,  but  they  attributed  it  rather  to  love  than  pity. 

Siegfried  was  happy,  but  Albrecht's  heart  was  heavy, 
and  he  began  to  fear  he  had  given  himself  credit  for  more 


188  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

power  of  self-denial  than  he  possessed.  He  had  deceived 
himself,  when  he  hoped  to  be  able  to  suppress  his  own 
feeling  for  Oda  in  his  brother's  presence.  Seeing  the 
persistence  with  which  Siegfried  sought  her  affection,  and 
the  pleasure,  as  he  supposed,  with  which  she  received 
these  proofs  of  his  love,  he  could  not  forbear  saying  to 
himself,  "  Oh,  if  thou  wert  in  Siegfried's  place  !  "  Then 
a  bad  spirit  would  whisper,  "  Woo  her  thyself  !  Contend 
with  him  for  her  love  ;  and  as  thou  hast  thrown  him  out 
of  the  saddle,  so  canst  thou  oust  him  from  her  heart ;  he 
hath  no  more  right  there  than  thou  !  " 

What  he  missed  most  were  the  happy  hours  which  he 
had  passed  with  her  alone  in  familiar  intercourse.  They 
were  now  irretrievably  lost,  for  where  Oda  was,  there  was 
Siegfried ;  he  could  not  banish  him  from  her  side,  and 
there  were  moments  when  he  almost  regretted  his  return. 

What  he  had  hoped  and  expected  from  it  had  not  ccme 
to  pass.  On  the  contrary,  his  own  love  for  Oda  had  but 
increased  at  sight  of  Siegfried's  devotion.  Formerly  he 
had  reproached  himself  that  he  had  not  sent  for  his 
brother  earlier  ;  now  he  was  vexed  at  Reginhild  for  having 
given  him  irrefutable  reasons  for  it.  He  forgot  that  he 
had  agreed  so  readily  to  her  proposal  in  order  to  place 
Siegfried  as  a  barrier  between  himself  and  Oda ;  and  he 
could  tell  no  longer  whether  he  had  taken  the  step  1  ather 
to  please  his  sister-in-law  or  to  gratify  Jutta's  jealousy. 
At  all  events,  Siegfried  was  now  with  Oda  at  Regenstein, 
and  it  was  for  this  reason  that  Jutta  had  sent  through  him 
so  friendly  a  greeting,  and  was  so  well  satisfied.  Had 
she  mysteriously  divined  the  resolution  Albrecht  had 
taken,  in  the  solitary  valley  of  the  Goldbacli,  which  now 
suddenly  came  back  to  him?  Were  he  only  once  con 
vinced  of  Oda's  love  for  Siegfried,  —  so  he  had  declared 
he  would  stifle  his  own  feelings,  and 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  189 

throw  himself  into  Jutta's  arras.  He  fell  into  a  discon- 
tented mood.  Nothing  was  more  contrary  to  his  nature 
than  to  waver  and  procrastinate.  He  had  something 
better  to  do  than  to  idle  away  his  days  with  one  who 
loved  him  not,  while  dark  clouds  threatened  to  burst  upon 
his  head.  He  longed  to  fight  against  his  foes,  so  as  to 
escape  from  the  contest  within ;  he  was  vexed  at  the 
Blankenburgs'  delay,  and  he  would  have  rejoiced  at  a  new 
quarrel  with  the  bishop,  or  to  be  able  to  stop  the  mouths 
of  the  Quedlinburgers  in  their  everlasting  cry  for  inde- 
pendence ;  anything  to  enable  him  to  forget  his  foolish 
love. 

But  before  he  met  his  enemies  abroad,  affairs  must  be 
settled  at  home.  He  must  come  to  some  decision.  Sieg- 
fried should  ask  Oda's  hand  in  marriage.  It  was  not 
possible  that  she  would  refuse  him  ;  but  if  she  did,  the 
bishop  should  not  on  that  account  be  allowed  to  get  pos- 
session of  Falkenstein,  but  he  would  let  Oda  go  to  the 
castle  of  Quedlinburg,  and  ask  Jutta  to  be  mistress  of 
Regenstein.  Perhaps  some  day  Oda  might  become  ab- 
bess, and  he  would  then  be  the  protector  of  her  whom  he 
had  once  regarded  so  differently.  He  shook  his  head  at 
the  idea,  but -went  to  work  without  delay. 

"Siegfried,"  he  said  to  his  brother,  as  the  latter 
entered  the  room,  in  response  to  Albrecht's  summons, 
11  how  do  matters  stand  between  thee  and  Oda?  I  know 
that  thou  lovest  the  countess,  but  I  would  know  if  she 
loveth  thee,  and  will  be  thy  wife? " 

Siegfried  was  somewhat  confused,  being  unprepared  for 
this  abrupt  question,  and  answered,  "  I  know  not, 
Albrecht." 

"  Thou  dost  not  know?  Listen,  Siegfried.  I  am  tired 
of  this  delay  ;  we  must  come  to  a  decision.  Go  to  thy  lily, 
offer  her  thy  heart  and  hand,  and  ask  her  plainly  if  she  will 


190  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

be  thy  wife.  If  she  eonsenteth,  as  I  hope  and  believe  she 
will,  we  will  celebrate  the  nuptials,  and  we  Regensteins 
will  go  with  all  our  fighting  men  to  Selkethal,  and  take 
the  earldom  from  thy  noble  brother-in-law,  before  he  and 
his  friend,  the  bishop,  are  apprised  of  our  purpose.  Then 
Count  Hoyer  and  his  pious  Margaret  may  seek  refuge  in 
Ilalberstadt,  and  thou  canst  find  a  nest  for  thyself  and 
thy  young  wife  at  Falkenstein.     What  thinkest  thou?  " 

Siegfried  had  listened  to  his  words  with  increased 
pleasure  and  emotion.  Albrecht's  allusion  to  Oda  as  his 
young  wife,  and  the  alluring  prospect  of  living  with  her 
in  the  castle  of  Falkenstein,  set  his  heart  on  fire.  He 
failed,  therefore,  to  observe  Albrecht's  strange  manner, 
as  he  forced  himself  to  speak  in  a  firm  and  cheerful  tone, 
whilst  he  felt  sad  enough  at  heart. 

The  youth,  however,  made  no  answer,  but  kept  his  eyes 
fixed  on  the  floor  in  embarrassment. 

"  How?     Thou  hesitatest?  "  cried  Albrecht,  amazed. 

"  I  would  only  too  gladly,  but  I  cannot,"  Siegfried  an- 
swered, in  a  low  tone. 

Albrecht  frowned.  "  Count  Siegfried  von  Regenstein 
cannot  ask  a  maiden's  hand  in  marriage  ?  " 

"  Hear  me,  Albrecht !  More  than  once  I  have  sought 
to  confess  my  love  to  her,  but  in  vain  ;  I  could  never  fin- 
ish the  sentence,  for  as  soon  as  I  began,  she  would  give 
me  such  a  frightened,  supplicating  look,  that  it  cut  me  to 
the  heart,  and  I  could  say  no  more.  I  believe  that  she 
loveth  me,  and  not  long  ago,  she  told  me  that  she  would 
gladly  remain  here  all  her  life  ;  but  she  is  too  shy  and 
timid  to  hear  my  confession,  much  less  to  answer  it. 
Albrecht,  ask  her  for  me!  Thou  dost  not  feel  as  I  do ; 
thou  canst  s  iy  anything  to  her  that  thou  vvouldst." 

"  Siegfried  !  "  cried  Albrecht,  alarmed,  **  thou  knowest 
not  what  thou  askest !  " 


T11K  BOBBER  COUNT.  191 

u  It  is  only  what  I  would  joyfully  do  for  thee,  wert  thou 
in  my  place  and  I  in  thine,"  answered  Siegfried,  affection- 
ately. 

Albrecht  gave  his  brother  a  look  which  the  latter  could 
not  understand.  Then  extending  his  hand,  hii  said, 
earnestly,  "I  will  do  as  thou  wishest,  Siegfried.  God 
grant  that  the  result  may  be  for  our  best  happiness  !  " 

"So  be  it,  brother  !  Early  to-morrow  I  ride  to  Gers- 
dorf ,  to  see  Gunthf  r ;  thou  wilt  be  alone  with  Oda,  and 
canst  easily  speak  with  her.  If  she  accept  me,  let  the  red 
pennon  wave  from  the  tower,  so  that  I  can  see  my  happi- 
ness beckoning  to  me  from  afar." 

Albrecht  nodded  in  assent.     "  But  if  she  —  " 

u  If  she  refuseth,  make  no  sign;  but  I  will  not  yet 
despair." 

So  ended  the  interview.  Siegfried  departed  with  a  light 
heart,  but  Albrecht's  was  heavy.  He  looked  after  his 
brother  with  a  sorrowful  smile,  and  repeated  to  himself 
his  words,  "  Thou  dost  not  feel  as  I  do ;  thou  canst  say 
anything  to  her  that  thou  wilt."  As  he  sat  at  the  table, 
he  rested  his  head  upon  his  hands  and  whispered  to  him- 
self, "  I  must  win  her  for  him  I  Father  in  Heaven,  lead 
me  not  into  temptation  !  The  issue  resteth  with  me  ;  as  I 
speak  to  her,  so  must  be  the  result  for  him  and  for  me." 

Then  he  sprang  up  and  banished  all  evil  thoughts. 

"  Nay,  Siegfried  !  "  he  cried  aloud,  "  I  will  not  betray 
thee  !  " 

Early  the  next  morning,  Siegfried  was  already  far  on 
his  way.  Albrecht  ascended  with  Oda  to  their  favorite 
stone  seat  on  the  summit  of  the  rock,  but  each  step  seemed 
steeper  and  more  difficult  than  it  had  ever  been  before. 
Oda,  on  the  contrary,  was  unusually  sprightly,  rejoicing 
to  be  again  with  Albrecht,  and  ascended  so  nimbly  that 
she  reached  the  top  first,  and  stood  there  with  her  happy 


192  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

face  turned  toward  the  breeze,  which  lightly  stirred  her 
dark  hair,  and  gazed  about  her  with  delight. 

Albrecht  stood  still,  letting  his  eyes  rest  upon  the 
charming  picture.  He  was  alone  with  her  whose  love 
would  make  him  so  happy,  and  he  dared  not  clasp  her  in 
his  arms,  as  he  was  impelled  to  do,  but  must  entreat  her 
to  be  to  his  brother  all  that  he  longed  she  might  be  to  him. 
His  heart  ached,  and  his  feet  seemed  held  down  by 
leaden  weights.  At  this  moment,  Oda  turned  and  called 
to  him,  merrily,  "  Well,  Count  Albrecht !  Canst  thou  not 
climb?     Mere,  take  my  hand  !  " 

Laughingly  she  stretched  out  her  hand  to  him,  and  he 
allowed  her  to  appear  to  assist  him,  but  it  struck  him  as 
singular  that  she  should  offer  him  her  hand  at  that 
moment. 

"What  wert  thou  listening  to,  or  looking  at?"  she 
asked,  with  unconstrained  friendliness,  as  he  stood  by  her 
side,  still  holding  her  hand  in  his. 

"I  was  looking  at  thee,"  he  replied,  deeply  moved. 
"  Thou  stoodst  before  me  like  a  beautiful  vision,  promis- 
ing blessing  to  the  beholder." 

"What  blessing  have  I  to  give?"  she  asked,  gently 
drawing  away  her  hand. 

"  The  greatest  of  all  blessings  — for  which  I  am  ready 
even  now  to  ask  of  thee." 

She  stepped  back  involuntarily,  trembling. 
"Do  not  be  frightened,"  he  said,  smiling  faintly;  "I 
ask  it   not  for  myself.     Thou  must  imagine  my  brother 
Siegfried  standeth  here  in  my  place.     Come,  seat  thyself, 
and  let  me  talk  to  thee." 

She  sank  upon  the  seat  beside  him,  while  he  continued, 
striving  to  control  himself. 

"I  need  not  tell  thee  that  my  brother  Siegfried  loveth 
thee  with  his   whole  heart.     In  his  name,  I  entreat  tlry 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  10H 

hand    in    marriage,  Countess    Oda.     Art  thou  willing  to 
become  his  wife  ?  " 

Oda  leaned  back,  her  e}Tes  closed,  and  her  arms  hang 
ing,  as  if  powerless,  by  her  side.     Presently,  she  looked 
up  sadly,  and  said,  in  a  low  tone,  — 

"  Dost  thou  wish  it,  Count  Albrecht?  " 

"If  thou  lovest  my  brother,  and  canst  be  happy  with 
him,  it  is  my  most  fervent  wish,"  he  answered ;  and  it 
seemed  to  him  as  if  he  were  speaking   in  a  dream. 

She  gazed  fixedly  before  her,  and  shook  her  head. 

"I  cannot  answer  thy  question,  Count  Albrecht,"  she 
continued,  finally,  as  though  her  voice  were  choked ; 
M  neither  yea  nor  nay.  I  am  heartily  attached  to  Count 
Siegfried,  —  but  —  " 

"Thou  hast  said  to  him  that  thou  wouldst  willingly 
dwell  all  the  rest  of  thy  life  at  Regenstein ;  didst  thou 
not  mean  in  his  company?"  he  asked,  perceiving  her 
agitation. 

"  Nay !  nay !  I  had  no  such  thought.  I  meant  the 
peaceful  days  here,  the  rambles  through  the  forest,"  she 
replied,  in  confusion,  blushing  painfully. 

"  But  what  shall  I  say  to  Siegfried?  That  thou  refus- 
eth  him?  "  he  urged,  with  beating  heart. 

"  Nay,  Count  Albrecht,  for  I  see  —  it  is  thy  wish,"  she 
answered,  meekly  ;  "  and  if  I  can  —  " 

"  Stay,  Oda  !  "  he  interrupted  ;  "  not  for  the  world,  on 
my  account !  Thou  must  choose  for  thyself.  TJiou  only 
must  decide." 

She  shook  her  head  again. 

"  I  have  no  wish.  Let  me  have  time  to  think,  to  make 
up  my  mind  ;  at  any  rate,  I  hope  thou  wilt  not  be  dissatis- 
fied with  me,"  and  she  rose  to  go. 

"And  Siegfried?  "  asked  he,  once  more. 

"  Thank  him,  and  tell  him  not  to  give  up  hope,"  she 
answered,  faintly,  as  if  she  could  say  no  more. 


194  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

Albrecht  seated  himself  again,  and  listened  to  her 
retreating  footsteps. 

"She  loveth  him,"  he  thought,  moodily;  "and  there 
is  no  hope  for  me." 

Painful  thoughts  disturbed  his  mind  as  he  sat  there  a 
long  time,  alone,  upon  the  rocky  platform.  Finally  he 
descended,  and,  going  to  his  room,  wrote  upon  a  strip  of 
parchment,  "  No  red  pennon,  but  hope  notwithstanding  !  " 
He  despatched  a  horseman  with  this  message  to  meet  his 
brother  Siegfried,  on  the  way  home  from  the  castle  of 
Gersdorf. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  VJo 


CHAPTER   XX. 

Hitherto,  Oil  a  had  allowed  herself  to  hope  that 
Albre*  lit  loved  her,  but  now  that  he  had  sought  her  hand 
in  marriage  for  his  brother,  this  hope  was  completely  ex- 
tinguished. She  was  ready  to  comply  with  his  slightest 
wish,  but  could  she  go  so  far  as  to  marry  Siegfried,  to 
please  him  ?  She  felt  an  affection  for  her  youthful  lover, 
both  for  himself  and  because  he  was  so  like  his  eldest 
brother.  Should  she  console  herself  with  the  image, 
sinee  she  could  not  possess  the  original?  So  she  ques- 
tioned herself  as  she  sat  alone  in  her  chamber,  after  she 
had  left  Albrecht,  and  had  recovered  from  the  first  keen 
pang  inflicted  by  his  words.  The  handsome  and  attrac- 
tive Siegfried  loved  her,  as  she  knew,  with  all  his  chivalrous 
heart,  and  witli  a  modesty  and  patience  quite  at  variance 
with  his  natural  impetuosity,  which  went  far  to  prove  the 
strength  of  his  affection.  To  spare  her  feelings,  so  she 
said  to  herself,  he  had  not  even  asked  her  himself  in  mar- 
riage, but  had  sued  for  the  hand  of  the  disinherited 
maiden  through  his  brother.  Moreover,  should  Albrecht 
ask  anything  of  her  in  vain?  Nay,  not  if  he  were  to  ask 
her  heart's  blood  !  But  she  could  not  deceive  the  hus- 
band, with  whom  she  must  journey  through  life.  If  she 
consented  to  wed  Siegfried,  to  gratify  Albrecht,  she  would 
say  to  him  frankly,  — 

C,I  will  be  thy  faithful  wife,  if  thou  wilt  be  satisfied 
with  my  dutiful  devotion  ;  more,  I  cannot  give  thee." 

But  first  she  would  try  the  effect  of  time  and  an  earnest 
effort  to  return  his  love.  She  would  begin  by  opening 
her   heart  to  him  a  little,  till,  perhaps,  by  and  by,  she 


196  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

could  give  it  to  him  wholly.  How  long  it  would  be  before 
she  could  do  so,  she  could  not  tell,  but  she  would  make  a 
beginning. 

After  his  conversation  with  Oda,  Albrecht  was  more 
convinced  than  ever  of  her  love  for  his  brother,  and  could 
not  understand  why  she  did  not  accept  his  proposal  im- 
mediately. He  had  little  comprehension  of  the  intricacies 
of  the  feminine  heart,  and  confidently  expected  that  she 
would  speedily  give  her  consent.  His  own  fate  was, 
therefore,  decided,  and  he  must  endeavor  to  forget  his 
disappointment,  or  compensate  himself  with  Jutta's  tem- 
pestuous love.  All  this  he  had  pondered  as  he  sat  alone 
on  the  rocky  height,  and  it  still  absorbed  his  thoughts  as 
he  wandered  up  and  down  in  the  orchard  with  Oda. 

Suddenly,  they  heard  from  the  gate-tower  a  long  and 
pecu'iar  blast  of  the  horn.  Albrecht  and  Oda  looked  at 
one  another. 

"  A  guest  of  princely  rank  !  "  said  the  count.  "  Who 
can  it  be?" 

They  went  to  a  part  of  the  orchard  where  they  could 
overlook  the  gate,  and  discovered  two  ladies  on  horse- 
back, with  three  mounted  attendants.  Albrecht  gave  a 
low  exclamation  of  surprise,  and  Oda  immediately  guessed 
who  they  were. 

"  The  abbess,  Count  Albrecht?  "  she  asked. 

"Yea;  Countess  Jutta  von  Kranichfeld  and  Countess 
Adelheid  von  Hallermund." 

Oda  felt  a  chill  creep  over  her. 

"  She  hath  come  for  me,"  she  said. 

But  the  count  did  not  hear  her.  It  seemed  to  him  like 
a  stroke  of  fate  that  Jutta  should  be  here  now  for  the  first 
time  to  visit  him.  He  hastened  to  greet  her,  and  to  lift 
her  from  her  horse  ;  a  service  which  she  accepted  with  a 
smile  and  a  blush. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  197 

Oda,  who  remained  a  little  in  the  background,  saw  him 
hold  the  beautiful  abbess  in  his  arms,  and  set  her  gently 
upon  the  ground,  and  a  sharp  pain  penetrated  her  heart. 
The  charming  canoness  was,  in  the  mean  time,  assisted 
from  her  saddle  by  the  jovial  scrivener,  Florencius,  one  of 
the  ladies'  three  attendants. 

As  Oda  hesitatingly  approached,  the  abbess  scanned 
her  rapidly,  and  turning  to  Albrecht,  said,  softly,  — 

"  Is  that  thy  lily  ?  I  had  not  thought  her  so  beautiful !  " 
Then  she  advanced  and  offered  Oda  her  hand. 

The  greeting  was  constrained,  but  Jutta's  cleverness 
and  self-possession  soon  smoothed  over  the  awkwardness 
of  this  first  meeting.  She  quickly  assumed  an  easy,  con- 
fidential tone,  to  which  Oda  responded  as  cordially  as 
she  could. 

At  Count  Albrecht's  invitation  they  repaired  to  the  hall, 
where  the  abbess,  after  looking  round  as  if  in  search  of 
some  one,  asked,  quickly,  "  Where  is  Count  Siegfried?" 

Albrecht  well  understood  her  thought,  and  answered, 
with  some  embarrassment,  "  He  rode  to  Gersdorf  early 
this  morning,  but  I  expect  him  back  shortly." 

u  It  is  a  pity,"  observed  Jutta,  visibly  relieved,  "  for  I 
wished  him  to  hear  what  I  have  to  say  to  thee.  Floren- 
cius, my  friend,  come  here !  "  and  she  took  from  the 
scrivener's  hands  a  folded  parchment,  which  until  now  he 
had  kept  out  of  sight.  "  Sir  Count,"  she  went  on,  hand- 
ing it  to  Albrecht,  "  here  is  a  deed,  signed  and  sealed  by 
me,  giving  thee  the  fortress  of  Lauenburg  in  fief,  as  a 
reward  for  thy  efforts  to  save  it  from  the  covetousness  of 
the  Blankenburgs  and  the  townsfolk.  Take  it,  and  defend 
it  against  all  comers, —  those,  for  example,  who  might  try 
some  time  to  seize  it  before  dawn,"  concluded  she,  with  a 
mischievous  smile. 

"  Accept  my  most  heartfelt  thanks,  gracious  lady  ! '' 


198  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

exclaimed  Albrecht,  overjoyed  at  this  termination  of  the 
affair.  "  Doth  the  deed  prohibit  any  count  of  Regenstein 
from  holding  command  in  the  castle?"  he  added,  not 
being  able  to  refrain  from  this  little  jest,  in  return  for  hers. 

The  abbess  reddened,  but  Countess  Adelheid  came  to 
her  assistance.  "  It  is  not  in  the  deed  ;  and  it  was  from 
the  first  only  the  desire  of  the  Quedlinburgers." 

Albrecht  smiled,  and  asked,  "  Is  that  all  they  desire?" 

"  By  no  means,"  returned  the  abbess,  "and  I  have  much 
to  say  to  thee  on  that  score." 

They  sat  down  on  the  wooden  settle  which  ran  along 
one  side  of  the  room,  the  others  chatting  in  the  deep  recess 
of  the  window,  and  the  abbess  continued,  "  Before  all, 
they  long  to  free  themselves  from  their  dependence  upon 
thee.  More  than  once  have  emissaries  of  the  council  come 
to  me,  with  offers  and  proposals.  They  promise  to  be 
submissive  to  me,  if  not  to  thee,  and  to  pay  me  double 
the  amount  yearly  in  tolls  and  customs  that  thou  receives!, 
if  I  will  but  help  them  gain  their  freedom  ;  and  when  I  have 
refused  their  requests,  they  have  ventured  to  threaten,  and 
gave  me  to  understand  that  they  had  powerful  allies,  and 
would  not  hesitate  to  take  forcibly  wrhat  they  could  not 
obtain  peacefully." 

Count  Albrecht  was  filled  with  anger  at  Jutta's  commu- 
nications. He  asked,  "  What  answer  didst  thou  give 
them?" 

"  I  expressed  my  displeasure,"  replied  Jutta,  proudly; 
"reminded  them  of  their  sworn  oaths,  and  advised  them 
to  go  to  thee  with  their  demands." 

M  By  all  the  saints  !  It  is  long  since  I  let  them  feel  my 
hand,  and  it  is  high  time  that  I  should  do  so  !  " 

"  But  not  without  an  armed  following,"  cautioned  the 
abbess.  "  Thou  must  not  expect  to  find  much  love  or 
loyalty  in  Quedlinburg." 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  199 

u  On  the  part  of  these  pepper-pots  and  ale-house  he- 
roes !  "  Albrecht  said,  scornfully. 

1  'Believe  me,  they  have  some  secret  design  against 
thee,  Count  Albrecht.  They  would  not  hold  their  heads 
so  high,  had  they  not  some  one  behind  them  to  urge  them 
on." 

"He  of  the  long  crosier,  wouldst  thou  say?"  laughed 
the  count. 

"  Laugh  not !  "  cried  Jutta.  "  I  tell  thee  he  will  hesi- 
tate at  nothing,  nothing  !  " 

14  I  can  readily  believe  it,"  Albrecht  answered  carelessly. 
"Thou  hast  seen  him  recently,  in  Halberstadt?" 

"  I  needed  his  advice  upon  some  affairs  connected  with 
the  convent,"  she  replied,  in  some  confusion  ;  "  and  —  " 

"Enough,  my  lady,"  he  interrupted.  "  And  as  to  our 
dear  Quedlinburgers,  I  well  know  how  I  stand  with 
them." 

"  It  was  on  that  account  I  came  here,"  said  the  abbess. 
"  Florencius  could  have  brought  thee  the  deed,  but  I 
wished  to  warn  thee,  for  I  felt  anxious,  and  I  have  had 
dreams  of  ill-omen." 

He  looked  her  directly  in  the  face,  and  answered,  smil- 
ingly, "  I  have  had  quite  different  dreams,  and  I  trust 
they  maybe  fulfilled,  though  that  dependeth  upon  thee," 
he  added,  softly. 

Jutta's  eyes  shone,  but  she  waited  in  silence  till  she 
should  hear  more. 

At  this  moment,  most  inopportunely,  the  canoness 
called  out,  "  Come  quickly,  Jutta,  if  thou  wouldst  see  the 
incomparable  knight,  Bock  von  Schlanstedt !" 

"  Thou  canst  see  him  more  conveniently,  my  lady,"  said 
Albrecht.     "  I  will  bid  him  to  dinner." 

But  the  abbess  had  risen  and  hastened  to  the  window, 
less  to  see  Bock  than  to  hide  her  agitation. 


200  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

Oda  had  heard,  meanwhile,  nothing  of  what  had  passed 
between  Albrecht  and  Jntta,  but  she  had  seen  the  expres- 
sion of  their  faces,  and  as  the  latter  became  more  joyous, 
she  grew  proportionately  uneasy. 

Old  Ursula  took  great  pains  to  prepare  a  repast  worthy 
the  distinguished  guests,  and  when  they  took  their  places 
at  table,  which  was  set  with  the  rude,  not  to  say  scanty, 
table  furniture  of  the  master  of  Regenstein,  the  count 
apologized  for  its  simplicity,  and  turning  to  Oda,  added, 
"  Thou  wouldst  have  fared  better  with  our  good  abbess, 
dear  Oda." 

"  Yet  thy  prisoner  doth  not  look  as  though  thou  hadst 
starved  her,"  said  the  abbess. 

"  I  never  let  my  captives  suffer  from  hunger,"  he  replied, 
good-huinoredly. 

"Thou  must  show  us  thy  dungeon,  Countess  Oda," 
said  the  canoness. 

u  And  the  chains  with  which  they  bound  thee,"  added 
Florencius,  carrying  on  the  jest. 

"  The  chains  with  which  Countess  Oda  is  bound  are  not 
of  the  kind  that  can  be  seen  or  heard,"  laughed  Jutta. 

Oda,  embarrassed  but  not  disconcerted,  replied,  "  Thou 
art  right,  my  lady ;  gratitude  forgeth  fetters  which  one 
does  not  easily  throw  off." 

Jutta's  lips  moved  with  a  sarcastic  smile,  which  did 
not  escape  Oda.  But  the  abbess  made  no  answer,  fearing 
some  unpleasantness  before  Albrecht. 

The  seat  at  Oda's  left  was  empty,  Albrecht  having 
reserved  it  for  Siegfried,  who  had  not  yet  returned.  Be- 
tween her  and  Countess  Adelheid  sat  Bock  von  Schlan- 
stedt. 

This  worthy  usually  occupied  the  chief  seat  at  the  sec- 
ond table,  where  he  endeavored  by  example  and  precept 
to  inculcate  good  manners,   without,  however,  producing 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  201 

any  decided  result.  From  time  to  time  he  was  invited  to 
dine  with  his  master,  and  this  was  always  a  red-letter  day 
for  him,  not  on  account  of  the  better  food,  but  the  com- 
pliment, upon  which  he  prided  himself  excessively.  He 
reserved  for  such  occasions  a  somewhat  odd-looking  gar- 
ment, of  embroidered  cinnamon-colored  cloth,  and  lined 
with  quilted  leather,  which  was  absurdly  adapted  to  his 
long,  lean  figure.  He  never  appeared  in  it  without  his 
sword  and  belt  of  knighthood,  his  special  pride.  His 
deportment  at  table  was  most  punctilious,  and  he  sat  bolt- 
upright  in  his  chair,  with  solemn  dignity,  using  only  the 
choicest  expressions  in  speaking.  He  esteemed  it  a 
particular  honor  to  dine  with  these  beautiful  and  high- 
born ladies,  thinking  that  it  must  elevate  him  in  Eilika's 
eyes. 

The  blooming  canoness,  who  was  about  the  same  age  as 
her  youthful  abbess,  and  nowise  her  inferior  in  vivacity, 
was  highly  diverted  by  her  self-important  neighbor.  Bock 
answered  all  her  questions  with  elaborate  deference,  and 
tried  to  carry  on  an  agreeable  and  instructive  conversation 
with  the  lively  countess,  which  entertained  her  highly. 
The  abbess  also,  and  Count  Albrecht,  who  overwhelmed 
her  with  attentions,  grew  more  and  more  mirthful,  laugh- 
ing heartily  at  Florencius's  shrewd  witticisms. 

Oda  alone,  though  involuntarily  observing  Albrecht 
and  Jutta,  took  little  part  in  the  merriment.  The  others 
did  not  try  to  draw  her  into  the  conversation,  supposing 
that  Siegfried's  absence  might  account  for  her  silence. 
Count  Albrecht  often  glanced  at  her,  but  turned  his  eyes 
away  when  he  met  their  troubled  glance,  as  if  his  con- 
science was  not  quite  easy. 

Finally  Siegfried  arrived,  and  on  entering  the  hall 
directed  looks  of  gratitude  toward  his  brother  and  Oda,  as 
if  he  would  let  them  know  he  had  received  their  message, 


202  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

and  was  contented  to  wait  and  to  hope.  After  saluting 
their  guests,  he  took  his  place  beside  Oda,  and  seemed  to 
have  the  enlivening  effect  upon  her  which  the  others  had 
anticipated. 

u  Howlooketh  the  weather,  Siegfried  !  "  asked  Albrecht, 
lightly. 

'•A  storm  is  approaching  ;  it  cometh  from  Halberstadt," 
he  answered,  looking  significantly  at  his  brother. 

But  Albrecht  was  so  absorbed  with  Jutta  that  he  paid 
no  heed  to  the  double  meaning  of  Siegfried's  words. 

Heavy  clouds  were  gathering  overhead,  as  they  now 
for  the  first  time  perceived. 

"From  Halberstadt?"  said  the  count.  "Naturally, 
everything  hurtful  to  us  originateth  there  ;  even  the  thun- 
der-storms." 

"  But  if  this  one  should  descend  upon  us,  and  last  till 
nightfall,  canst  thou  harbor  us  all,  Count  Albrecht?  " 

"  We  have  surely  room  enough,"  he  replied ;  "  but  ye 
must  not  expect  to  rest  as  comfortably  here  as  in  your  own 
princely  castle." 

"  What  will  our  superior  think,  if  we  do  not  return?" 
observed  Adelheid. 

"That  we  have  been  imprisoned  here!"  laughed  Flo- 
rencius. 

"  Oh,  the  lot  of  a  captive  at  Regenstein  is  not  a  bitter 
one  ;  is  it,  Countess  Oda?  "  said  Jutta. 

"That  dependeth  upon  the  kind  of  fetters  with  which 
one  is  bound,"  replied  the  young  countess. 

They  all  laughed  at  her  ready  retort,  including  the 
abbess,  but  she  bore  her  a  grudge  in  consequence. 

At  this  moment  their  eyes  were  blinded  by  a  sudden 
flash  of  lightning,  whereat  Adelheid  cried  out  in  terror, 
and  the  laughter  ceased. 

But  the  abbess's  face  had  an  exultant  expression,  as 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  203 

with  head  thrown  hack,  she  cried,  u  What  is  the  matter, 
Adelheid?  Art  thou  afraid  of  lightning?  It  was  so  hot, 
so  oppressive,  and  now  corncth  this  blessed  relief.  The 
lightning  flash  is  like  a  fiery  kiss,  making  one  tremble, 
but  with  delight !  " 

And  now  the  thunder  rolled  and  reverberated  overhead. 

"  Listen !  "  cried  she;  "how  it  seemeth  to  shake  the 
rocks,  as  though  it  struck  them  with  a  mighty  hammer.  It 
maketh  the  heart  flutter  to  witness  this  wild,  wonderful 
power !  " 

Her  companions  looked  at  her,  surprised  at  her  excite- 
ment. 

"My  lady!"  exclaimed  Count  Albrecht,  "I  never 
before  saw  a  woman  who  took  delight  in  a  thunder- 
storm." 

11  I  exult  in  storms,"  she  answered;  "  1  only  wish  I 
could  thunder !  " 

"  Thou  canst,  thou  canst,  my  lady  !  "  laughed  the  count. 
"  I  have  heard  thee." 

Whereat  Adelheid  and  Florencius  nodded  to  one  another, 
and  smiled. 

Again  the  lightning  flashed,  and  the  thunder  pealed 
more  loudly  than  before. 

"  The  heavens  crash  and  the  earth  quaketh,"  cried 
Jutta,  '•  but  thy  Regenstein  standeth  fast,  Count  Albrecht ; 
it  is  as  unshaken  by  storms  as  thou.  Thou  art  like  Pro- 
metheus,  chained  up  here  forever  to  thy  lonely  rocks ! 
And  how  hast  thou  incurred  the  anger  of  the  gods?  They 
thunder  at  thee,  and  threaten  thee,  for  what?  A  broken 
word,  a  blighted  happiness?     Speak,  Sir  Count !  " 

"I  never  broke  my  word;  I  fear  them  not,"  Albrecht 
replied  ;  "  and  Regenstein  is  in  no  danger;  many  storms 
have  raged  a-ound  it,  but  it  hath  never  been  touched  yet." 

Rut  the  fiercer  the  storm  became,  the  more  the  abbess 


204  the  noBnm  count. 

was  moved.  This  outbreak  of  Nature  exercised  a  wonder- 
ful influence  upon  her,  which  she  could  neither  withstand 
nor  explain  ;  it  seemed  almost  as  if  there  were  some  secret 
sympathy  between  her  and  the  storm-laden  clouds.  While 
Adelheid  and  Oda  covered  their  eyes  to  shut  out  the  vivid 
flashes,  and  trembled  at  the  heavy  thunder-claps,  and  even 
the  men  became  quiet,  and  only  exchanged  short  remarks, 
Jutta  was  full  of  restlessness  and  a  strange  delight  in  the 
warring  of  the  elements. 

To  Oda,  the  abbess's  excitement  seemed  most  un- 
natural, and  she  said,  in  her  dismay,  — 

"  My  lady,  brave  not  the  heavens  thus  !  " 

"  Why  should  I  not,  child ?  "  Jutta  answered.  "Come 
with  me  to  the  summit  of  the  rocks,  thou  pale  lily,  and 
see  the  lightning  play  over  the  valley  and  hear  the 
thunder-clouds  roar  around  us  like  flying  dragons ! "  and 
she  sprang  up,  as  if  she  would  suit  the  action  to  the  word. 

The  others  rose  also.  Adelheid  hung  upon  her  arm, 
and  cried,  — 

1 '  Jutta,  what  wouldst  thou  ?  Thou  wilt  be  struck  by 
lightning ! " 

"Let  me  alone!"  she  whispered,  hoarsely;  "the 
storm  is  within  me  !  " 

She  stood  erect,  and  looked  at  Albrecht  as  if  she  ex- 
pected he  would  speak.  But  he  remained  silent,  watching 
Oda,  who  was  half  indignant,  half  terrified.  Siegfried 
placed  himself  protectingly  near  her,  while  Florencius 
approached  the  canoness,  and  said,  in  a  low  tone, — 

"  Pray,  let  her  alone  !     It  will  pass  off  with  the  storm." 

Bock  stood  like  a  statue,  with  his  eye  fixed  on  his 
master,  and  quietly  waited  to  see  what  would  follow. 
But  Jutta's  freakish  impetuosity  had  put  an  end  to  the 
pleasure  of  the  company,  and  now  the  rain  began  to  fall 
in  torrents. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  205 

"Ah!"  said  she,  drawing  a  deep  breath,  "here  cora- 
eth  the  rain  !  Let  us  open  the  windows,  and  let  in  the 
air  !     I  am  suffocating  for  it !  " 

She  threw  open  a  window,  and  leaned  out  to  cool  her- 
self. The  rain  made  a  plashing  sound  upon  the  stones, 
which  soothed  her  ear.  It  flowed  from  the  rocks  in  little 
runnels,  and  freshened  the  folinge  of  the  trees  and  bushes, 
while  sweet  odors  ascended  from  the  wild  flowers  below. 

Jutta  beckoned  Albrecht  to  her  side  within  the  window 
recess. 

"  Come,  Count  Albrecht !  "  said  she  ;  "  come  here,  and 
feel  how  sweet  the  air  is  !     It  is  ravishing  !  " 

He  came  and  stood  beside  her,  leaning  over  her 
shoulder  in  the  narrow  recess.  Her  head  was  close  to 
his,  her  hair  touched  his  brow,  and  her  breath  fanned  his 
cheek.  How  could  he  fail  to  be  moved  by  the  proximity 
of  this  beautiful  woman  ! 

Presently,  the  clouds  rolled  away,  the  rain  ceased,  and 
here  and  there  patches  of  blue  sky  became  visible. 

"  Now,  let  us  go  out,"  said  Siegfried;  "it  must  be 
glorious  outside !  " 

Albrecht  and  Jutta  left  their  place  at  the  window.  She 
had  now  resumed  her  usual  calmness  ;  a  smile  played 
about  her  lips,  and  her  eyes  glowed.  A  gentle  languor 
succeeded  the  overwrought  condition  which  the  storm 
had  engendered,  and  it  seemed  as  if  she  would  make 
the  others  as  happy  as  she  was  herself. 

Florencius  went  with  Bock  to  visit  the  stables,  the  dog- 
kennels,  and  bird-house,  for  he  was  fond  of   animals. 

The  others  mounted  the  rocks,  and  enjoyed  to  the  full 
the  refreshing  coolness  of  the  air.  The  abbess  was 
pleased  with  the  view  of  her  castle ;  she  thoughtfully 
scanned  the  landscape,  and  then  looked  down  with 
interest  upon  the  huge  mass  of  Regenstein. 


206  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

While  engaged  in  studying  its  details,  Countess  Adel- 
heid  stepped  up  to  her  and  whispered  in  her  ear,  — 

4 '  Art  thou  surveying  thy  future  home  ?  " 

Jutta  shook  her  head,  and  answered  Adelheid,  — 

"  He  hath  said  nought  to  me." 

11  But  thy  heart  speaketh." 

Jutta  only  smiled. 

Albrecht  now  called  their  attention  to  the  different 
points  of  the  view,  but  seemed  quiet  and  constrained. 
As  his  glance  wandered  it  rested  upon  Oda,  who  stood 
apart  on  an  eminence  with  Siegfried,  close  to  the  edge  of 
the  precipice.  She  rested  her  hand  upon  his  shoulder, 
and  he  held  her  as  she  leaned  over,  looking  down  into  the 
abyss,  the  rock  being  still  wet  and  slippery. 

The  count  stopped  speaking  immediately,  and  Jutta, 
noticing  it,  followed  the  direction  of  his  gaze.  Then  her 
jealousy  at  once  revived,  and  she  exclaimed,  — 

1  'It  is  really  touching,  Count,  to  see  the  care  with 
which  thou  watcheth  over  thy  lily  !  Count  Siegfried, 
methinks,  is  holding  her  fast,  and  she  must  see  some- 
thing interesting  down  there,  to  let  him  hold  her  so 
long." 

Albrecht  made  no  answer,  but  the  abbess  could  not  see 
his  annoyed  expression,  and  continued,  — 

M  There  !  she  steppeth  back  !  She  must  have  felt  thine 
anxiety !  And  how  bashfully  she  smileth  upon  the  young 
knight!     Oh!  it  is  beautiful !  " 

Still  the  count  said  nothing.  He  was  wounded  and  put 
out  of  tune  by  her  words  and  manner,  and  when  the 
canoness  suggested  that  it  was  time  to  depart,  he  made 
no  long  remonstrance. 

"  Thou  wilt  escort  us  part  of  the  way,  Count  Albrecht?" 
said  the  abbess. 

"  It  is  but  my  bounden  duty,  my  lady,"  he  answered. 


THE  ROBBER   COUNT.  207 

The  horses  were  ordered,  and  both  ladies  took  friendly 
leave  of  Oda. 

"Thou  hast  refused,  hitherto,  to  honor  our  convent, 
Countess  Oda,"  said  the  abbess  ;  "  but  its  gates  will  always 
open  to  thee,  and  thou  wilt  be  welcome  at  any  tilne.,, 

"**  And  if  thou  wilt  visit  us  even  for  a  sennight,  thou 
wilt  confer  a  great  pleasure  upon  us  all,"  added  the 
canoness. 

Oda  thanked  them,  assuring  them  that  it  would  give 
her  pleasure  to  do  so,  if  Count  Albrecht  would  allow  her. 

"  Which  he  will  not  do,"  laughed  the  count. 

They  thereupon  mounted  their  horses,  and  the  two 
brothers  escorted  their  guests  half-way  to  Westerhausen. 

By  her  remarks  to  Siegfried  as  they  rode  along,  the 
abbess  let  him  see  clearly  that  she  considered  him  secretly 
betrothed  to  Oda,  and  the  young  lover  was  not  displeased 
by  her  sallies,  as  they  flattered  his  hopes.  And  Jutta, 
fancying  herself  now  sure  of  him,  also  rallied  Albrecht 
upon  his  feeling  for  his  future  sister-in-law. 

They  parted,  therefore,  most  amicably.  The  ladies 
rode  to  Quedlinburg  with  Florencius  and  their  servants, 
and  the  two  counts  returned  to  Regenstein.  Count 
Albrecht  repeated  to  Siegfried  his  conversation  with 
Oda,  and  assured  the  latter  of  her  love,  which  he  was 
only  too  ready  to  believe. 

Whereupon  Siegfried,  in  his  turn,  said,  "  Now  listen  to 
me,  Albrecht;  if  I  had  not  gone  to  see  Giinther  to-day, 
he  would  have  come  to  us  to-morrow  to  give  us  news. 
When,  in  answer  to  thy  question  to-day,  I  said  a  storm 
was  coming,  I  referred  not  so  much  to  the  thunder-storm 
as  to  blacker  clouds  which  threaten  us  from  Halberstadt." 

Albrecht  listened  attentively,  and  Siegfried  continued, 
"  Prince  Bernhard  von  Ballenstedt,  who  beareth  a  bitter 
grudge   against  the   bishop   on   account  of   the   city   of 


208  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

Aschersleben,  yesterday  sent  a  private  message  to  Giin- 
ther,  warning  us  to  be  on  our  guard,  for  the  bishop  is 
plotting  against  us.  He  went  to  Falkenstein  a  few  days 
ago  with  Count  Konrad,  of  Wernigerode,  and  several  other 
nobles,  and  they  were  all  closeted  there  with  Count  Hoyer. 
Prince  Bernhard  doth  not  know  the  result,  but  Count  von 
Wernigc  rode  came  afterward  to  Ballenstedt  and  asked  him 
if  he  were  to  receive  back  Aschersleben  in  fief,  whether 
he  would  join  the  bishop  of  Halberstadt  against  us  " 

"  This  intelligence  is  surely  worth  a  ride  to  Gersdorf !" 
cried  Albrecht.     "  What  answer  did  Bernhard  make?" 

"He  refused,  point-blank,"  replied  Siegfried;  "and 
said  he  would  take  from  no  man  in  fief  what  rightfully 
belonged  to  him  by  inheritance,  and  what  he  meant  in 
good  time  to  recover  ;  and  that  he  would  never  be  friends, 
in  peace  or  in  war,  with  the  bishop  of  Halberstadt." 

"  Good  !  "  rejoined  Count  Albrecht ;  "we  will  ride  out 
to-morrow  in  search  of  further  information." 

"  First,  the  abbess  went  to  the  bishop,  and  then  the 
bishop  to  Count  Hoyer.     Is  not  that  a  little  singular?  " 
Count  Albrecht  looked  startled.     "Thou  meanest — " 
"  I  mean  that  here  are  two  threads  which  may  possibly 
be  tied  together." 

"Siegfried!"  exclaimed  his  brother,  "dost  thou  sus- 
pect the  lady  abbess  ?  Why  didst  thou  not  tell  me  sooner, 
that  I  might  have  questioned  her?  " 

"  I  intended  so  to  do,"  the  other  replied  ;  "  but  when  I 
saw  thee  conversing  with  her  so  confidentially,  the  sus- 
picion banished ;  but  now  it  hath  returned,  and  I  cannot 
rid  myself  of  the  idea  that  she  hath  had  a  hand  in  the 
game.  And  I  verily  believe,  Albrecht,  that  it  is  on 
account  of  Oda." 

"Ah,  certainly!"  laughed  the  elder;  "thou  thinkest 
that  the  world  revolveth  around  Oda." 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  209 

Siegfried  reddened,  but  said  nothing,  for  his  brother's 
laugh  had  a  bitter  intonation. 

They  had  now  reached  the  castle  gate,  and  dismount- 
ing, each  went  his  own  way,  Siegfried  to  the  castle  and 
Albrecht  to  his  lofty  stone  seat.  The  intelligence  he  had 
just  received  weighed  heavily  on  his  mind,  and  he  wished 
to  be  alone. 

When  he  reached  the  level  rock,  Oda  quickly  rose, 
having  been  apparently  lost  in  thought.  She  seemed 
disconcerted  by  his  appearance,  and  her  eyes  were  red. 

"  Oda,  what  is  the  matter?  Thou  hast  been  weeping  !  " 
cried  Count  Albrecht,  surprised  in  his  turn. 

She  looked  at  him  for  a  moment,  then  hiding  her  face, 
she  said,  with  a  sob  in  her  voice,  "Ah,  let  me  alone! 
What  is  it  to  thee?" 

And  without  further  words  she  slipped  past  him,  and 
hastened  down  the  steps. 

What  had  come  over  her?  She  had  never  spoken  so  to 
him  before.  What  had  he  done?  Count  Albrecht  was 
completely  at  a  loss. 


210  THE  ROBBER  COUNT, 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

On  the  following  morning  Siegfried  was  first  in  the 
saddle.  He  rode  toward  Halberstadt,  to  discover,  if  pos- 
sible, any  preparations  that  might  be  on  foot  for  the  pro- 
posed attack.  A  little  later  Bock  set  out,  with  the  same 
object,  in  the  direction  of  Wernigerode,  stopping  at  Heim- 
burg  on  his  way  to  inform  Count  Bernhard  that  his  brother 
wished  to  see  him  at  Regenstein  immediately.  Count 
Albrecht  intended  to  follow  him,  to  make  observations  in 
the  neighborhood  of  Quedlinburg,  and  ordered  Nothnagel, 
Hasenbart,  and  Gutdiinkel  to  scour  the  woods  and  valleys, 
and  be  on  the  lookout  for  any  soldiers,  either  in  camp  or 
on  the  march. 

Bock  had  not  been  long  gone  before  he  returned,  bring- 
ing with  him  Hinze  Habernack,  whom  he  had  captured 
not  far  from  Regenstein,  under  what  seemed  to  him  rather 
suspicious  circumstances.  The  old  man  asserted  that  he 
was  on  his  way  to  Count  Albrecht  with  important  commu- 
nications, and  Bock  had  come  back  with  the  vagrant, 
against  whom  he  still  bore  a  grudge,  to  make  sure  that  he 
did  not  slip  through  his  hands. 

Led  before  Albrecht,  Habernack  reported  the  ride  of  the 
bishop  to  Falkenstein  with  Count  von  Wernigerode,  Knight 
Rudolf  von  Dorstadt,  and  Hans  von  Kriendorf,  the  two 
latter  sworn  enemies  of  the  count. 

When  the  latter  asked  what  business  the  bishop  had  on 
hand  with  Count  Hoyer,  the  old  fox  squinted  at  him  hesi- 
tatingly, licked  his  lips,  and  said,  — 

"  I  know  all  about  it,  Sir  Count."     Then,  after  a  mo- 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  211 

merit's  pause,  "  And  if  I  dare  mention  it  before  the  worthy 
knight  here  —  " 

"  The  devil  take  thee  !  Speak,  or  I  will  give  thee  the 
thumb-screws  !  "  threatened  Bock. 

M  Go  on,  go  on  ;  only  out  with  it !  "  Count  Albrecht  ex- 
claimed, impatiently. 

"  Count  Hover  promised  the  bishop,  after  Countess 
Margarethe's  death,  the  earldom  of  Falkenstein,"  Haber- 
nack  went  on.  "  But  the  abbess  of  Quedlinburg  hath  told 
Bishop  Albrecht  that  thou  wilt  marry  Countess  Ocla,  and 
demand  the  earldom  as  her  inheritance.  So  they  have 
settled  amongst  themselves  to  take  her  from  thee." 

"Man!  How  hast  thou  learned  all  this?"  cried  Al- 
brecht. 

"  H'm  !  Sir  Count,  it  was  not  so  easy  ;  but  I  promised 
thy  knight,  Bock,  to  bring  thee  tidings  as  soon  as  I  could, 
and  I  hope  thou  wilt  pay  me  well.  Thou  seest,  the  rever- 
end bishop  is  in  love  with  a  girl  whose  mother  is  a  good 
friend  of  mine,  so  I  go  to  her.  The  devil  knows  how  the 
daughter  wheedles  it  out  of  my  lord,  —  that  is  her  affair, 
—  but  she  doth  it." 

"When  are  they  coming?  Dost  thou  know  that?" 
asked  Count  Albrecht. 

"  Nay,  I  know  not,"  answered  Habernack.  "  I  believe 
they  have  not  set  a  time  yet.  It  will  not  be  for  some 
days,  I  think  ;  but  I  do  not  know." 

"  Knowest  thou  any  more  of  the  matter?  " 

"  Nay,  I  know  no  more,"  protested  the  old  man. 

"  Habernack  !     The  thumb-screws  !  "  cried  Bock  again. 

The  hunchback  cast  a  black  look  at  him,  and  shook  his 
head.  Count  Albrecht  then  proceeded  to  pay  him  well  for 
his  information,  adding,  "  And  now  thou  canst  take  thy- 
self off !  " 

"  Sir  Count,"  said  Bock,  "  I  trust  not  the  churl.   Were 


212  THE  ROBBER   COUNT. 

it  not  better  to  keep  him  here  till  we  see  if  he  hath  told  us 
the  truth?" 

"  What !  Thou  swell- nosed,  low-born  knight !  "  screamed 
Habernack.  "  Is  this  the  way  thou  keepest  faith  with 
me?     Didst  thou  not  promise  to  let  me  go  in  safety?  " 

"  Didst  thou  promise  him  that,  Bock?"  said  the  count, 
sternly. 

"I  did,  Sir  Count;  but—" 

"  Then  hold  to  thy  word  !  " 

"Noble  Count,"  said  the  old  man,  when  he  had  re- 
covered from  his  fright,  "I  am  hungry  and  weary;  let 
me  rest  a  little,  and  have  a  morsel  of  food  and  drink. 
Then  I  will  go  on  my  way  to  Blankenburg  ;  there  I  have 
man}'  acquaintances,  and  I  will  look  about  me,  and  come 
back  and  tell  thee  if  I  see  anything  afoot.  If  I  am  not 
here  by  evening,  thou  wilt  know  that  I  have  naught  to 
tell." 

"  Good,"  answered  the  count,  after  a  short  pause  ;  "  do 
as  thou  sayest.  Bock,  take  him  with  thee,  and  see  that  he 
has  his  food,  and  then  set  out  tlryself  for  Heimburg." 

Bock  led  Habernack  to  the  serving-men's  quarters,  not 
observing,  while  the  latter  hobbled  slowly  along,  as  if  foot- 
sore, what  sharp  glances  he  cast  about  him.  Then  Bock 
rode  off,  and  left  the  old  man  talking  with  the  servants, 
from  whom  he  soon  extracted  what  he  wished  to  know. 

Toward  noon  Hinze  Habernack  reached  the  castle  of 
Blankenburg,  where  Count  Berthold  had  been  expecting 
him  for  two  days,  and  paid  him  in  good  gold  for  all  that 
he  had  heard  and  seen  at  Regenstein. 

"They  are  asleep  up  there,  like  marmots  in  winter. 
The  garrison  is  no  stronger  than  usual,  the  stock  of  cattle 
scanty,  and  they  have  had  no  supplies  for  a  long  time. 
Be  quick,  and  ye  will  find  them  unprepared.  I  have  taken 
care  of  that,  as  the  reverend  bishop  ordered." 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  213 

The  old  rogue  did  not  add  that  he  had  betrayed  the 
bishop's  designs  to  his  foe,  only  deceiving  the  latter  as  to 
the  time  of  their  execution. 

1  i  Knowest  thou  anything  of  Falkenstein's  people  ? " 
asked  Count  Berthold. 

"  They  are  in  Wegeleben,  Sir  Count." 

"  When  canst  thou  be  in  Halberstadt?" 

"  In  three  hours  I  will  be  at  the  reverend  bishop's." 

"Tell  him  that  we  are  read}',"  said  the  count.  "In 
Wernigerode  they  only  await  the  signal  from  me.  I  can 
send  a  horseman  thither  at  a  moment's  notice,  and  another 
to  Quedlinburg,  and  before  midnight  we  will  all  come 
together." 

The  cunning  messenger  immediately  set  out  again, 
taking  the  shortest  road  to  Halbcrstadt. 

Count  Albrecht  was  disturbed  as  well  as  enraged  at  the 
report  of  the  vagrant,  in  which  he  put  faith,  as  it  coincided 
substantially  with  the  Prince  of  Ballenstedt's  warning. 
Siegfried  was  right ;  the  attack  was  against  Oda,  and 
the  abbess  was  at  the  bottom  of  it  all,  for  it  was  at  her 
instigation  the  bishop  had  induced  Count  Hover  to  recover 
his  sister  by  force.  Jutta  had  visited  the  bishop  before 
Siegfried's  recall,  and  labored  then  under  the  delusion  that 
not  he,  but  Albrecht,  wished  to  marry  Countess  Oda.  It 
was,  therefore,  due  to  her  insensate  jealousy  that  he  must 
now  fight  against  all  his  enemies  at  once,  and  he  felt  sure 
that  the  Quedlinburgers  would  not  be  idle. 

It  was  some  time  before  Bernhard  made  his  appearance, 
and,  meanwhile,  Albrecht  was  with  Oda.  She  was  now  as 
composed  and  gentle  as  usual,  and  strove  to  make  amends 
for  her  yesterday's  behavior  by  redoubled  friendliness. 
He  read  in  her  eyes  a  mute  entreaty  that  he  would  ask  her 
no  questions,  and  accordingly  he  said  nothing,  presently 
forgetting  all  about  it  in  the  multiplicity  of  his  cares  and 
anxieties. 


214  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

When  Bernhard  finally  arrived,  the  brothers  went  up  to 
Albrecht's  room,  where  hot  words  passed  between  them. 
Bernhard  reproached  Albrecht  with  his  unaccountable 
obstinacy,  which  had  caused  all  tlteir  trouble,  so  that  now, 
for  the  sake  of  this  maiden,  they  were  menaced  by  so 
many  foes.  Had  he  sent  her  long  ago  to  the  convent,  and 
married  Jutta,  whose  feeling  for  him  he  had  so  long 
known,  she  would  have  had  no  grounds  for  jealousy,  and 
they  would  have  been  spared  this  present  danger. 

Bernhard  allowed  it  to  be  seen  plainly  that  he  thought 
Albrecht's  own  feeling  for  Oda  was  the  true  reason  why  he 
had  detained  her  at  Regenstein. 

But  the  more  Albrecht  perceived  the  truth  of  his  re- 
marks, the  more  angry  his  brother's  reproaches  made  him. 
He  answered,  shortly,  — 

"  The  struggle  for  the  earldom  of  Falkenstein  could  not 
be  prevented.  Siegfried  loveth  Oda,  and  wisheth  to  marry 
her,  so  that  sooner  or  later  we  must  fight  for  her  inherit- 
ance." 

"  Who  can  tell  if  that  would  have  been  necessary?" 
urged  Bernhard.  "  Perchance  Hoyer  himself  would  not 
have  been  willing  to  disinherit  his  sister,  had  Siegfried 
fairly  sued  for  her,  and  been  content  to  wait  patiently  for 
the  earldom  ;  in  which  case,  I  trow,  the  bishop  would  not 
have  dared  to  contest  our  rights." 

"  Wherefore  should  he  wait?"  cried  Albrecht.  "What 
can  be  acquired  to-day  one  need  not  wait  for  till  to-mor- 
row, and,  mayhap,  lose  altogether." 

u  This  restless  craving  for  power, — it  is  in  thy  very 
blood,"  said  Bernhard,  "  and  is  the  one  failing  of  thy 
brave  and  honorable  heart !  It  will  be  thy  undoing,  some 
day,  and  will  bring  us  all  to  ruin  !  " 

"  If  thou  wouldstrock  children  rather  than  break  spears, 
thou  canst,"  laughed  Albrecht ;  "my  desires  are  different." 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT,  215 

Bernliard  was  silent,  and  at  this  point  they  wisely 
changed  the  current  of  their  talk,  and  took  counsel  as  to 
what  should  be  done  under  their  present  circumstances. 
The  following  day  Albrecht  must  announce  the  threatened 
attack  to  the  governors  and  garrisons  of  the  Regensteins, 
warning  them  to  keep  strict  watch  and  ward,  and  also 
send  messages  to  the  friendl}'  counts  of  the  Hartz  country 
and  of  Swabia,  who  had  promised  their  assistance,  to  hold 
themselves  in  readiness.  Also,  Regenstein  must  be  well 
supplied  with  provisions  for  a  siege. 

He  concluded  not  to  ride  to  Quedlinburg,  but  to  remain 
with  Bernhard  until  toward  evening.  Siegfried,  Bock,  and 
his  companions  returned,  one  by  one,  not  having  seen  any- 
thing remarkable.  He  who  did  not  return  was  Hinze 
Habernack,  and  the  brothers  accordingly  concluded  that 
the  impending  assault  was  not  very  near  at  hand. 

Bernhard  now  proposed  to  return  to  his  wife,  whom  he 
knew  would  be  anxiously  expecting  him,  and  Albrecht 
accompanied  him  to  the  gate.  As  they  walked  slowly 
over  the  rocks  in  the  twilight,  Albrecht  stopped  suddenly 
before  the  dark  opening  in  the  ground,  which  was  now 
half  choked  up,  and  said,  — 

"  Listen!     Dost  hear?" 

"  What?"  asked  Bernhard. 

"  The  knight  templar  is  hard  at  work,"  answered  Al- 
brecht, in  a  low  tone. 

"Yes;  I  hear  him,"  said  Bernhard.  "  He  telleth  us, 
what  we  already  know,  that  troublous  times  are  in  store 
for  us." 

"  I  deem  it  a  bad  portent  that  he  knocketh  so  loudly," 
returned  Albrecht. 

Bernhard  nodded  assent,  and  they  went  on  in  silence. 

From  below  ground  came  dull  sounds,  that  could  not  be 
explained  in  any  natural  manner.    The  dark,  underground 


216  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

passage  led  to  the  knight  templar's  dungeon,  and  from 
time  immemorial  this  legend  had  been  handed  down  con- 
cerning it. 

A  former  Regenstein  had  kept  a  templar  imprisoned 
here  in  a  deep  dungeon  for  years,  during  which  he  sought 
unceasingly,  with  desperate  efforts,  to  cut  his  way  through 
the  rock  with  a  piece  of  old  iron.  He  was  not  interfered 
with,  but  he  never  saw  the  light  again,  and  one  day  the 
knocking  suddenly  ceased  :  the  knight  templar  was  dead. 
But  his  spirit  was  not  at  rest.  The  hopeless  work  went 
on  forever,  and  when  any  danger  threatened  the  house  of 
Regenstein  the  knocking  and  scraping  could  be  distinctly 
heard  in  the  stillness  of  the  night.  Before  any  great  mis- 
fortune —  sure  to  occur  within  the  year  —  his  spirit  was 
seen,  clad  in  a  flowing  white  mantle,  upon  the  summit  of 
the  rocks,  and  afterwards  slowly  descending  again  to  the 
dismal  prison. 

Arrived  at  the  castle  gate,  Bernhard  threw  himself  into 
the  saddle,  while  Albrecht  returned  by  the  way  he  came. 
He  stopped  again  at  the  subterraneous  opening,  and 
listened.  The  sounds  were  still  to  be  heard  beneath  his 
feet.  "  If  only  I  knew  how  to  release  him,  poor  restless 
spirit,  I  would  do  so,"  he  thought.  "  But  he  cannot  be  ex- 
orcised ;  for  us  Regensteins  he  is  the  voice  of  fate.  And 
Bernhard  saith  that  Oda  is  the  cause  of  all  these  troubles. 
What  folly  !  He  must  always  be  croaking.  But  Oda  !  A 
glance  of  her  blue  eyes  maketh  one  forget  every  trouble  !  " 
And,  full  of  the  thought  of  her,  the  count  returned  to  the 
castle. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  217 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

When  the  sun  rose  next  morning  upon  Regenstein, 
scattering  the  mists  which  rose  from  the  woody  glens  and 
hollows,  the  castle  began  to  bestir  itself,  and  just  then 
was  seen  the  gleam  of  polished  steel  upon  the  steep  ascent 
leading  to  the  castle.  A  trumpeter  appeared  before  the 
gate,  and  blew  a  prolonged  blast,  which  the  warder  was 
not  slow  to  answer.  Beside  the  former  was  an  armed 
man,  who  wore  the  belt  of  a  knight,  and  carried  in  his 
hand  a  pine  branch  to  indicate  his  office  as  herald.  He 
asked  leave  to  speak  with  the  lord  of  the  castle,  or  his 
representative.  Count  Albrecht  and  Bock  were  both 
awake,  and  the  latter  hastened  to  the  entrance.  He  called 
from  the  wall  above  to  know  what  the  stranger  wanted, 
and  the  latter  replied,  in  a  loud  voice,  — • 

"  I  am  the  Knight  Bosse  von  Silda.  My  lord,  the  noble 
Count  Hoyer  von  Falkenstein,  sendeth  greeting  to  Count 
Albrecht  von  Regenstein,  and  demandeth  that  his  sister, 
Countess  Oda,  whom  ye  here  unlawfully  hold  captive, 
shall  be  straightway  delivered  into  our  hands.  If  ye  will 
not  do  this,  we  will  besiege  your  castle,  and  attack  ye  with 
fire  and  sword,  and  not  withdraw  till  ye  open  your  gates, 
and  deliver  the  maiden  into  our  hands.  "We  shall  bring 
four  hundred  fighting  men,  and  ye  may  expect  no  help 
from  without,  neither  men  nor  provisions.  Therefore  we 
challenge  you,  and  we  await  a  well-considered  answer." 

"  I  will  answer  thee,"  cried  Bock,  from  above.  "lam 
the  Knight  Bock  von  Schlanstedt.  Ye  cannot  have  the 
maiden,  and  we  need  no  assistance,  for  we  have  too  many 
rather  than  too  few  men,  and  our  storehouses  are  full,  for 


218  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

we  knew  ye  were  coming.  As  to  3Tour  four  hundred,  if  ye 
come  too  near  our  walls  ye  will  get  something  on  your 
heads  ye  will  not  relish.  This  is  our  answer.  If  ye  would 
have  it  from  my  master  himself,  I  will  summon  him ;  but 
it  is  not  necessary." 

"Nay,  it  is  not  necessary,"  said  Count  Albrecht,  who 
now  appeared  upon  the  tower.     "  What  is  thy  demand?" 

"  The  release  of  Countess  Oda  von  Falkenstein,"  called 
back  the  herald. 

"  That  I  refuse,  without  further  parley,"  cried  Albrecht. 
"  Who  is  thy  leader  ?  " 

"  Count  Berthold  von  Blankenburg." 

"  I  thought  so,"  said  the  count ;  "  and  who  commandeth 
the  bishop's  force  ?  " 

"  The  Knight  Rudolf  von  Dorstadt." 

"  Very  well.  Tell  your  masters  to  make  haste,  aud  let 
them  see  how  speedily  we  will  open  our  gates  for  them  !  " 
cried  Albrecht,  and  descended  again  to  give  necessary 
orders  to  his  men. 

"Would  that  I  had  not  let  that  accursed  rogue  of  a 
Schabernack  escape  yesterday,"  muttered  Bock  to  himself, 
as  he  strode  along  the  breastworks  to  enjoin  upon  the  gar- 
rison the  need  of  a  stubborn  resistance. 

Notwithstanding  the  bold  words  of  the  herald,  the  con- 
dition of  affairs  was  a  critical  one.  Thanks  to  its  natural 
advantages,  the  stronghold  could  be  defended  by  a  com- 
paratively small  body  of  troops,  and  with  suitable  vigilance 
they  might  feel  almost  sure  of  being  able  to  hold  the  enemy 
at  bay.  But  a  prolonged  siege  must  be  fraught  with  dan- 
ger, as  they  were  wholly  unprepared  for  it,  not  having 
thought  of  laying  in  an  unusual  store  of  provisions. 

Albrecht  ordered  the  private  signal  of  distress  to  be 
hung  from  the  watch-tower  to  apprise  Bernhard  of  the 
sudden  attack.     Though  the  garrison  at  Heimburg  could 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  219 

do  nothing  alone  against  the  besiegers,  Bernhard  could 
procure  help  by  sending  out  messengers.  But  the  answer- 
ing signals  informed  them  that  the  enemy  had  forestalled 
them  by  surrounding  Heimburg  also.  From  Regenstein 
they  could  see  that  men  were  posted  in  a  wide  circle 
around  the  fortress,  and  that  riders  were  in  motion,  appar- 
ently with  the  purpose  of  preventing  any  one  approaching, 
so  that  news  of  the  siege  should  not  get  abroad  in  the 
neighborhood.  For  the  present,  therefore,  they  could 
hope  for  no  aid. 

The  soldiers  and  servants  were,  to  a  man,  full  of  cour- 
age, because  Count  Albrecht  was  with  them.  His  firm- 
ness and  self-possession,  his  assured  glance,  and  the  clear- 
ness and  precision  of  his  orders,  inspired  them  with 
confidence.  The  weakest  points  of  the  castle  were  strongly 
fortified,  and  the  gates  were  especially  well  guarded,  but 
as  yet  no  serious  attack  had  been  made. 

Skirmishing  was  kept  up  at  intervals  ;  arrows  were  shot 
from  behind  trees  and  crags  as  well  as  from  the  ramparts, 
and  larger  missiles  from  huge  whalebone  bows,  which  were 
supported  upon  wooden  frames,  being  too  heavy  to  be  held 
otherwise.  The  besieged,  likewise,  strewed  the  ground, 
outside  the  walls,  as  far  as  they  could  be  thrown,  with 
caltrops,  large  balls  with  four  sharp,  projecting  iron  spikes, 
one  of  which  always  pointed  upward,  to  the  detriment  of 
men  and  horses. 

If  Count  Albrecht  had  only  had  men  to  care  for  he 
would  have  troubled  himself  but  little,  but  he  was  tortured 
by  the  thought  that,  if  the  contest  lasted  long,  if  no  succor 
came,  and  Oda  suffered  from  privation,  he  must  give  her 
up.  He  would  have  preferred  to  conceal  from  her  that 
she  was  the  real  cause  of  the  assault.  But  that  was  im- 
possible. She  would  soon  discover  it,  even  if  he  withheld 
the  knowledge,  and  so  many  of  his  men  had  heard  the 


220  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

knight's  challenge  that  it  would  be  impossible  to  keep  it 
secret. 

And,  in  fact,  Oda  heard  the  truth  within  an  hour,  and 
not  as  Albrecht  or  Siegfried  would  have  told  it  to  her,  but 
from  the  lips  of  the  over-wrought  Eilika. 

The  latter  was  wakened  early  by  the  unusual  disturb- 
ance, and,  in  going  out  to  discover  the  cause,  she  met 
Bock,  full  of  his  own  importance,  running  to  and  fro  as  if 
possessed,  .and  asked  him  the  meaning  of  the  commotion. 

"  Ha  !  It  is  all  for  your  sakes,"  cried  the  knight,  enthu- 
siastically. "  We  are  encompassed  on  every  side,  and 
Count  Hoyer  demandeth  your  release.  The  Falkensteins, 
the  Blankenburgs,  Wernigerodes,  and  the  bishop's  fol- 
lowers surround  us,  and  are  going  to  storm  the  castle  and 
fetch  you  out." 

u  Ah,  merciful  heaven!  This  is  frightful,  Sir  Knight! 
Do  not  give  us  up !  exclaimed  the  distressed  maid. 
"  They  will  put  us  into  the  convent." 

"  Have  no  fear,  dear  Mistress  Eilika,"  answered  Bock, 
grandiloquently;  "this  arm  and  this  good  sword  shall 
defend  ye  both.  We  will  not  yield  you  up,  as  long  as  we 
have  a  morsel  of  food  left,  and  after  that  —  "  But  his 
last  words  were  lost  in  the  depths  of  the  armory,  into 
which  he  presently  disappeared. 

Eilika  ran  to  her  young  mistress  with  the  dismal  tidings. 
Oda  dressed  herself  in  trembling  haste,  and  went  to  see 
Count  Albrecht.  She  met  him  coming  from  the  eastern 
ramparts,  in  full  armor,  and  seeing  at  the  first  glance  that 
she  knew  all,  he  tried  to  soothe  her  fears,  while  he  smil- 
ingly said,  "  Be  calm,  dear  Oda !  Thou  art  secure 
enough  here !  Regenstein  cannot  be  taken  ;  no  foeman 
will  enter  the  gate  or  scale  the  wall ;  they  will  soon 
retreat,  hut  not  with  thee." 

"  Let  me  go  with  them,  Count  Albrecht,"  she  returned, 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  221 

sadly  but  decidedly.  "  I  wish  no  fighting  on  my  account. 
Let  me  go,  that  thou  mayest  have  peace." 

"  By  no  means,  Countess  Oda !  Thou  shalt  not  leave 
Regenstein.  Thou  servest  merely  as  a  pretext.  It  is  an 
old  feud,  which  hath  been  gradually  growing  bitterer,  and 
must  be  settled  some  day." 

"  Accept  their  pretext,  then,  and  deliver  me  to  them," 
she  still  urged.     "  I  bring  thee  naught  but  trouble." 

"  Oda  !"  The  tone  in  which  he  spoke  her  name  came 
from  the  depths  of  his  heart.  She  looked  down  in  confu- 
sion. 

"  Give  me  thy  hand,"  he  continued.  "  Remain,  to 
please  me,  as  thou  hast  done  hitherto.     Wilt  thou  not?  " 

She  could  not  resist ;  no,  she  would  not  leave  him  now. 
As  once  before,  she  gave  him  her  hand,  and  thought 
within  herself,  "  If  I  may  not  live  with  him,  perchance  I 
may  at  least  die  with  him." 

M  I  will  stay,  Count  Albrecht,"  she  answered  with  moist 
eyes,  which  at  the  same  time  shone  with  suppressed  joy  ; 
"  and  if  I  can  be  of  any  service  to  thee,  thou  knowest  I 
shall  be  glad." 

M  If  I  can  see  thee  cheerful  and  contented,"  said  he,  "I 
am  content !  " 

As  they  walked  they  met  Siegfried,  also  fully  armed, 
with  eager  face,  delighted  to  have  the  opportunity  to 
fight  for  Oda,  and  protect  her  at  any  risk.  His  talk  was 
warlike,  and  did  not  tend  to  quiet  her  apprehensions.  He 
said  to  Albrecht,  almost  indignantly,  — 

11  They  come  no  nearer ;  I  verily  believe  they  have  no 
means  of  storming  the  fortress." 

M  Very  possibly,"  answered  Albrecht,  wishing  to  soothe 
Oda's  fears  as  much  as  possible. 

Siegfried  would  hardly  leave  the  walls,  put  himself  in 
the  most  dangerous  places,  and  apparently  tried  to  pro- 


222  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

voke  an  attack.  But  as  they  showed  no  signs  of  making 
an  assault  on  the  third  day  after  their  first  appearance, 
Albrecht  himself  was  astonished,  and  could  not  explain 
the  unaccountable  delay.  The  enemy  had  not  retired  ; 
could  it  be  that  he  was  not  strong  enough  to  venture  upon 
an  assault?  Albrecht  resolved  to  discover  the  cause  of  his 
inactivity,  and  to  sally  out  for  this  purpose. 

The  sortie  was  made  early  the  following  morning,  under 
Albrecht's  command.  Only  a  small  force  could  be 
spared,  however,  that  the  walls  might  not  be  left  unpro- 
tected. , . 

The  enemy's  nearest  outpost  was  surprised  and  thrown 
into  confusion,  but  help  came  quickly  from  all  sides,  and 
after  a  short  contest,  Albrecht  was  obliged  to  retire  be- 
fore superior  numbers,  or  his  retreat  to  the  castle  would 
have  been  cut  off.  Siegfried  had  gone  so  far  in  his 
impetuosity  that  he  could  no  longer  hear  Albrecht's  com- 
mands, and  would  doubtless  have  been  captured  if  Bock, 
with  his  trusty  comrades,  had  not  followed  him,  and  at  the 
risk  of  their  lives  rescued  him. 

Though  the  Regensteins  lost  only  three  men,  they 
could  ill  be  spared.  Rupfer,  one  of  the  M  Wicked  Seven," 
though  severely  wounded,  was  rescued  with  considerable 
difficulty  and  carried  into  the  fort.  Siegfried  received  a 
heavy  blow  on  the  head  from  a  mace,  which,  however, 
did  not  break  his  helmet,  as  it  was  parried  by  Bock,  who, 
with  Gutdiinkel  and  others,  kept  back  his  assailants,  and 
carried  him  to  the  castle,  partially  stunned.  Albrecht 
and  his  followers  were  all  hard  pressed,  but  they  kept 
together,  the  count  exposing  himself  fearlessly,  and  deal- 
ing blows  right  and  left  with  his  formidable  battle-axe. 
Finally  they  reached  the  sally-port  and  the  gates  closed 
behind  the  last  man,  no  other  than  the  old  were- wolf, 
Nothnagel. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  923 

Albrecht  was  indignant  with  Siegfried,  and  reproached 
him  for  his  rashness.  He  had  convinced  himself  of  the 
enemy's  strength,  and  that  a  contest  in  the  field  must  be 
out  of  the  question. 

Bock  had  escaped  with  a  swollen  shoulder  and  a  thrust 
in  the  groin,  which  had  not,  however,  penetrated  his 
armor,  though  he  could  not  forbear  a  little  modest  brag- 
ging for  Eilika's  benefit.  Siegfried  was  left  in  Ocla's  care, 
and  when  she  gently  bound  bis  aching  head  with  wet 
cloths,  happy  to  be  of  use  and  to  lessen  his  pain  she  was 
more  than  rewarded  by  his  happy,  grateful  smile.  At  the 
same  time,  in  her  inmost  heart  she  thought,  "Ah,  if  I 
could  only  tend  Albrecht  thus  !  "  while  glad  enough  that 
there  was  no  need  of  it. 

The  next  day,  the  besiegers  replied  to  the  sortie  by 
storming  the  southeast  wall,  but  after  an  obstinate  strug- 
gle were  beaten  back,  without  loss  to  the  Regensteins. 
Siegfried,  to  his  great  chagrin,  could  not  join  in  the 
combat,  not  being  able  to  bear  the  weight  of  his 
helmet. 

Each  side  had  now  tested  the  strength  of  its  antago- 
nists, and  desisted  temporarily  from  active  hostilities. 
Albrecht  made  up  his  mind  that  it  Mas  the  enemy's 
intention  to  starve  out  his  garrison,  and  his  anxiety  in- 
creased continually,  for  he  knew  that  they  could  hold  out 
but  two  weeks  longer,  though  their  inexhaustible  wells 
were  a  great  blessing. 

With  longing  eyes,  Albrecht,  Siegfried,  and  Oda  gazed 
from  the  summit  of  the  rocks,  hoping  they  might  see 
succor  approaching.  Oda  would  remain  there  the  greater 
part  of  the  day,  like  a  sentinel,  shading  her  eyes  with  her 
hand,  and  scanning  the  horizon.  She  pictured  to  herself 
how  she  would  fly  down  the  steps  to  Albrecht,  exclaiming, 
"  They  come,  they  come  !  "     But  they  came  not,  and  Oda 


224  THE  BOBBER  COUNT. 

grew  more  downcast  each  day.  It  was  on  her  account  that 
blood  had  flowed,  that  men  had  been  killed  and  wounded, 
that  Siegfried  had  barely  escaped  death,  and  who  could 
say  what  the  end  would  be  ! 

She  dared  not  again  propose  to  Albrecht  to  let  her  go, 
but  he  saw  plainly  that  she  suffered,  and  was  grieved. 
He  could  hardly  bear  this,  and  ransacked  his  brain, 
striving  to  discover  some  means  of  freeing  himself  from 
the  foe.  At  last  a  plan  suggested  itself,  which  at  first 
seemed  fantastic,  but  which,  as  he  considered  it  in  his 
mind,  gradually  ripened  into  a  definite  resolve.  It  would 
be  a  bold  undertaking,  and  he  must  take  his  life  in  his 
hand,  but  this  he  had  done  before,  and  now  it  would  be 
for  Oda. 

M  Siegfried,"  said  he  to  his  brother,  "  if  no  one  cometh 
to  help  us,  I  must  do  so  myself.  How  is  it  possible  ?  thou 
wouldst  ask.  Listen  !  There  is  only  one  way  of  escape 
for  us,  which  is  not  guarded  by  the  enemy,  and  I  have 
concluded  to  take  that  way,  — down  the  precipice  there." 

"  Albrecht!  Art  thou  in  jest  or  earnest?"  cried  Sieg- 
fried. 

4 '  Sober  earnest!"  answered  his  brother.  "I  can  be 
lowered  in  the  night  by  a  rope,  walk  to  Ditfurt,  send 
thence  to  the  fortress,  go  to  Count  Burchard  von  Mans- 
feld,  who  can  despatch  messengers  to  Stolberg  and  Hohn- 
stein,  and  in  three  or  at  most  four  days  return  with  a 
considerable  force  and  free  you  all.  Ye  can  hold  out  as 
long  as  that,  and  if  I  can  only  get  to  Ditfurt  unhindered, 
the  plan  cannot  fail.     Call  Bock  !  " 

"  But  why  shouldst  thou  risk  thy  life  thus?"  objected 
Siegfried.  "  It  would  be  much  better  for  me  to  go  than 
for  thee,  upon  whom  we  all  depend.  Think  whai  would 
become  of  us,  if  thou  wert  to  fall  or  be  captured  !  " 

I  must  go  myself,"  Albrecht  declared.     "  Thou  shalt 


a 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  225 

remain  with  Oda  ;  thou  wilt  be  her  protector  for  life,  and 
thou  must  not  leave  her  now." 

But  Siegfried  begged  that  he  might  go.  "Thou  art 
needed  here  more  than  I.  I  will  gladly  make  the  attempt. 
Albrecht,  let  me  try  it !  "  he  said. 

"  Nay,"  persisted  Albrecht ;  "  I  must  be  the  one  to  go, 
and  1o  come  back  with  men  whom  I  can  lead  into  action." 

Siegfried  was  obliged  to  yield,  and  Albrecht  added, 
"  One  thing  more  !  Oda  must  know  nothing  of  my  pur- 
pose to-day.     When  I  am  gone,  thou  canst  tell  her." 

Bock  was  now  let  into  the  secret,  and  he  also  begged 
to  be  allowed  to  go  in  place  of  his  master,  but  was  refused. 
Then  they  set  about  making  the  necessary  preparations 
with  secrecy. 

The  chain  of  the  well  was  drawn  up,  and  lengthened 
with  strong  ropes,  which  they  hoped  would  suffice,  and  by 
which  Albrecht  was  to  be  lowered,  under  Siegfried's  and 
Bock's  superintendence,  by  the  armorer  Klinkhard  and 
two  strong  men.  So  long  as  all  was  quiet  at  Regenstein, 
Siegfried  was  to  let  the  red  pennon  wave  from  the  tower, 
so  that  Albrecht,  on  his  return,  might  see  that  he  was  In 
time.  A  loud  trumpet-note  would  be  the  signal  for  an 
attack,  which  Siegfried  would  aid  by  making  a  sortie  with 
the  whole  garrison. 

All  was  now  arranged  and  decided  upon,  and  they  had 
no  difficulty  in  concealing  their  purpose  from  Oda.  Since 
the  siege  began,  Count  Albrecht,  Siegfried,  and  Bock 
alternately  kept  watch  at  night,  constantly  going  the 
rounds  to  see  that  all  was  well,  and  the  other  two  stayed 
till  a  late  hour  with  him  whose  turn  it  was  to  watch. 
Therefore,  Oda  was  not  surprised  that  the  two  brothers 
did  not  go  to  rest,  after  bidding  her  good  night.  Albrecht 
said  nothing  more  than  usual,  but  when  she  was  not  look- 
ing, devoured  her  with  his  eyes,  as  if  he  were  never  to  see 
her  again. 


226  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

When  the  hour  came,  the  three  mounted  the  rocks, 
Albreeht  in  full  armor,  and  covered  with  a  dark  cloak. 
They  found  Klinkhard,  Nothnagel,  and  Schadow  waiting 
for  them  with  the  chain. 

The  night  was  clear,  and  the  moon  would  rise  about 
midnight.  The  abyss  lay  black  and  unfathomable  before 
them,  and  absolute  silence  reigned.  The  chain  was  made 
fast  to  the  middle  of  a  piece  of  wood,  astride  which 
Albreeht  sat,  and  a  rope  was  wound  around  his  body, 
leaving  hands  and  feet  free,  so  that  he  could  keep  him- 
self from  striking  against  the  face  of  the  rock  when  the 
chain  swung.  As  they  bound  him,  he  silently  committed 
himself  to  the  care  of  Heaven  ;  then,  embracing  Siegfried, 
and  pressing  the  hands  of  the  others,  he  was  lowered  by 
Klinkhard.  Nothnagel,  and  Schadow  over  the  brink  of  the 
precipice. 

The  five  spectators  shuddered  as  their  beloved  leader 
disappeared  into  the  frightful  abyss.  No  one  spoke  a 
word ;  they  heard  his  iron-shod  feet  strike  against  the 
rock,  and  now  and  then  loosened  fragments  would  roll 
into  the  depth  below.  But  these  sounds  soon  ceased, 
only  the  chain  was  heard  rattling  lightly  over  the  rocks  as 
they  let  it  out,  inch  by  inch,  and  when  it  came  to  an  end, 
and  they  began  cautiously  to  lower  the  knotted  rope,  all 
was  again  silent. 

A  quarter  of  an  hour  passed  in  great  anxiety  lest  chain 
and  cable  should  not  hold,  or  not  prove  long  enough  for 
the  purpose.  Suddenly  they  perceived  that  the  weight 
was  gone.  Was  the  chain  broken  ?  Or  had  it  been  caught 
in  a  cleft  of  the  rocks?  Had  the  count  fallen,  or  had  he 
reached  the  ground?  They  waited  a  little,  and  then  began 
carefully  to  draw  up  the  rope.  The  chain  was  free,  and 
when  they  came  to  the  end,  they  found  the  rope,  which 
had  been  bound  around  the  count's  body,  wound  about 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  227 

the  piece  of  wood,  so  they  knew  he  had  reached  the  ground 
alive,  and  that  his  heroic  attempt  would  probably  succeed. 

With  lightened  hearts  they  left  the  spot,  and  Bock 
watched  in  his  master's  place  that  night. 

Siegfried  was  up  betimes  next  morning,  proud  of  being 
Oda's  protector,  and  commander  of  the  beleaguered  for- 
tress. He  charged  Bock  to  tell  every  man  how,  and  for 
what  purpose,  Count  Albrecht  had  leftRegenstein,  so  that 
their  spirits  might  be  cheered  by  the  hope  of  speedy  relief. 
But  he  had  deliberated  long  as  to  how  he  should  enlighten 
Oda.  Knowing  that  she  lived  in  constant  fear  by  reason 
of  the  danger  to  which  the  brothers  were  exposed,  and  re- 
proached herself  with  being  the  unhappy  cause  of  it  all, 
he  resolved  to  inform  her  in  the  most  cautious  manner  of 
Albrecht's  hazardous  journey. 

During  these  latter  troubled  days,  Oda  was  often  obliged 
to  take  her  breakfast  alone.  She  had  already  finished  her 
repast,  when  Siegfried  entered  the  hall. 

"  Did  Count  Albrecht  change  places  with  thee  or  Bock 
last  night?"  she  inquired,  hastily. 

"  AVhy  dost  thou  ask?" 

"  It  was  not  his  footstep  which  I  heard  in  the  court- 
yard during  the  night,"  she  explained. 

"Dost  thou  know  Albrecht's  step  so  well ?"  exclaimed 
Siegfried,  in  surprise. 

She  was  afraid  of  betraying  too  much,  and  so  said 
nothing. 

"  Thou  art  right,"  he  continued,  as  Oda  did  not  answer. 
u  Bock  took  the  watch  last  night." 

"  It  was  thy  brother's  turn.  Is  Count  Albrecht  not 
well?     Whereas  he?" 

Where  is  he  ?     This  simple  question  quite  took  away  his 
presence  of  mind.     What  should  he  reply? 
Albrecht  is  —  gone." 


a 


228  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

"  Gone ! " 

c '  Yea  ;  he  hath  left  Regenstein." 

Siegfried  was  now  convinced  that  he  had  never  before 
cut  so  sorry  a  figure  in  his  life. 

Oda  was  silent,  and  gazed  at  him  with  a  troubled  ex- 
pression, as  if  he  had  spoken  in  some  strange  tongue 
which  she  did  not  understand.  Suddenly,  a  change  came 
over  her  face,  and  she  cried  out,  — 

"Hath  there  been  fighting  in  the  night?  Hath  the 
count  ventured  out  alone,  and  been  taken  prisoner?  " 

"  Nay,"  answered  Siegfried  ;  "  he  hath  stolen  away,  to 
bring  us  succor." 

"In  the  midst  of  the  enemy!  Count  Siegfried,  thou 
art  hiding  something  from  me  !  Tell  me  all !  What  hath 
happened?    Where  is  Count  Albrecht?" 

At  sight  of  Oda's  sudden  vehemence,  and  her  trembling 
solicitude  for  Albrecht,  Siegfried  felt  a  strange  fear  take 
possession  of  him,  and  his  mind  was  filled  with  forebod- 


"  Albrecht  did  not  pass  through  the  enemy's  camp,  but 
went  over  the  rocks,"  he  said,  looking  at  Oda  fixedly,  with 
a  dawning  perception  of  the  terrible  truth. 

"  The  rocks  !  What  rocks?  What  rocks,  Count  Sieg- 
fried?" 

"  The  precipice  ;  but  he  —  " 

She  sprang  toward  him,  and  seized  him  by  the  arm. 

"The  precipice!  He  hath  fallen  over!  Crushed  and 
dead  !     Oh,  my  God  !  my  God  !  " 

She  covered  her  face  with  her  hands,  not  knowing,  in 
her  despair,  what  she  said  or  did,  while  all  the  light  and 
life  died  out  of  Siegfried's  heart  at  her  words. 

He  was  silent  for  a  moment,  looking  at  her  as  she  stood 
pale  and  rigid,  and  then  replied,  in  a  low  tone,  — 

"Do   not   distress    thyself,    Countess   Oda!     Albrecht 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  229 

liveth.  We  have  lowered  him  down  the  precipice  safely. 
In  three  days  he  will  return  with  his  friends,  and  enter  the 
castle  gate  as  victor.  And  then "  —  his  voice  falling 
almost  to  a  whisper — "then,  Countess  Oda,  I  will  tell 
him  that  thou  lovest  him." 

u  That  thou  shalt  never  do  !  "  she  cried,  in  great  agita- 
tion. "  If  thou  darest  say  so,  if  thou  lettest  him  so  much 
as  suspect  it,  I  will  throw  myself  from  the  precipice  !  I 
swear  it,  by  all  that  is  sacred  !  " 

With  these  words  her  strength  seemed  to  fail  her.  The 
passionate  love  which  she  had  so  long  suppressed,  and  so 
painfully  hidden  under  a  calm  exterior,  had  now  broken 
forth  with  overmastering  force,  and  Siegfried's  beautiful 
castles  in  the  air  were  overthrown  forever.  She  grieved 
bitterly  at  the  thought  of  his  ruined  happiness,  but  not 
another  word  could  she  utter.  With  a  look  of  the  deepest 
compassion,  which  he  did  not  see,  she  glided  past  him  out 
of  the  hall. 

Siegfried  sank  down  upon  a  stool  beside  the  table, 
buried  his  face  in  his  hands,  and  fairly  wept. 


230  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

Wearisome  were  the  days  which  Siegfried  and  Oda 
now  passed  in  longing  expectation  of  Albrecht's  return. 
Though  they  were  both  calm,  and  friendly  to  one  another, 
and  neither  made  the  slightest  allusion  to  their  late  dis- 
tressing interview,  the  time  seemed  very  long  to  Oda,  and 
presented  a  great  contrast  to  the  happy  hours  she  had 
spent  alone  with  Albrecht  in  Siegfried's  absence.  The 
latter  had  immediately  begged  her  permission  that  Bock 
might  be  allowed  to  sit  with  them  at  their  table  while  his 
brother  was  away,  and  she  gladly  consented,  understand- 
ing perfectly  his  object,  desiring  as  much  as  he  to  avoid 
any  further  intimate  relations. 

Bock  did  the  greatest  part  of  the  talking,  and  attribut- 
ing the  silence  of  the  others  to  their  solicitude  for  Al- 
brecht, tried  to  encourage  tliem  as  much  as  possible, 
praising  his  foresight  and  energy,  which  he  declared  to  be 
equal  to  every  emergency.  He  could  not  forgive  his  mas- 
ter, however,  for  letting  Habernack  slip  off,  for  he  felt 
sure  that  the  old  rogue  had  only  tried  to  lull  them  into 
security  with  his  false  story  of  the  time  appointed  for  the 
attack,  and  had  then  informed  the  enemy  how  little  pre- 
pared Regenstein  was  for  a  siege.  Bock,  therefore,  vowed 
deadly  revenge  against  the  crafty  hunchback. 

The  enemy  lay  quietly  encamped,  apparently  hoping, 
by  starvation,  to  bring  the  fortress  to  terms.  On  the 
third  day  after  his  departure,  a  man  was  posted  on  the 
summit  of  the  hill  to  watch  for  the  count's  approach,  it 
having  been  agreed  that  he  should  lie  in  wait  till  the  pre- 
concerted signal  was  given. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  231 

Finally,  ou  the  fifth  morning  the  sentinel  made  the 
joyful  announcement,  "  They  come,  they  come  !  "  Every 
one  hastened  to  the  heights  and  saw  an  approaching  squad 
of  horsemen,  which  seemed  to  be  too  few  in  number  to 
overpower  the  enemy.  But  they  knew  not  that  this 
was  only  half  of  the  whole  force,  the  other  half,  which 
could  not  be  seen  from  where  they  stood,  being  near  at 
hand,  on  its  way  from  the  south,  so  that  the  enemy  might 
be  attacked  simultaneously  from  opposite  sides. 

Siegfried  ordered  the  garrison  immediately  to  prepare 
for  a  sortie,  and  at  the  trumpet  blast  they  burst  out  of  the 
gates  and  fell  upon  the  foe  from  a  third  quarter. 

Notwithstanding  a  brave  resistance,  which  prolonged 
the  combat  for  hours,  the  besiegers  were  completely  routed, 
though  the  investing  forces  of  Heimburg  joined  in  the 
fray,  soon  followed  by  Count  Bernhard  with  his  garrison. 
A  considerable  number  of  prisoners  was  left  in  the  hands 
of  the  victors. 

When  the  soldiers  of  the  besieged  fortress  met  their 
heroic  leader  upon  the  field,  after  the  conflict  was  over, 
they  cheered  him  wildly,  flourishing  their  weapons  in  the 
air,  unmindful  of  all  discipline.  Even  Bock  forgot  his 
dignity,  and  raising  himself  in  the  saddle,  vociferated 
with  all  his  might,  4t  Victory,    victory  !  " 

Count  Albrecht's  brothers  greeted  him  with  hearty 
delight,  all  of  them  being  present  except  Ulrich,  — 
Giinther  and  Poppo  having  come,  with  their  followers, 
at  Albrecht's  summons,  from  Gersdorf  and  Crottorf  to 
fight  for  the  stronghold  of  their  fathers.  Bernhard,  who 
had  himself  been  invested,  could  not  understand  Albrecht's 
appearance  at  the  head  of  his  allies,  and  heard  with 
astonishment  of  his  midnight  exploit.  Siegfried  pressed 
Albrecht's  hand  without  a  word,  but  the  latter  took  his 
silence  as  an  expression  of  speechless  joy  at  the  triumph 
of  their  house  over  their  united  opponents. 


232  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

The  few  noble  prisoners  —  among  whom  was  neither  the 
count  of  Blankenburg,  nor  of  Wernigerode,  nor  Rudolf 
von  Dorstadt  —  were  released,  after  promising,  upon  oath, 
to  pay  a  ransom  as  soon  as  they  should  be  able  to  do  so. 

But  when  it  came  to  the  mustering  of  the  common 
prisoners,  who  were  from  Halberstadt,  Ascher>leben,  and 
Quedlinburg,  Count  Albrecht  was  not  disposed  to  show 
them  equal  lenity.  He  had  learned  from  a  Halberstadt 
soldier  that  these  three  cities  had  been  for  a  long  time 
secretly  in  alliance  with  the  bishop  against  him,  and  this 
intelligence  angered  Count  Albrecht ;  but  he  was  especially 
indignant  with  the  citizens  of  Quedlinburg,  who  owed  him 
allegiance,  and  of  whose  enmity  he  had  had  many  proofs 
in  his  late  rapid  ride  through  the  country. 

After  depriving  the  other  prisoners  of  their  armor  and 
weapons,  they  were  finally  released,  but  he  could  not  be 
induced  to  free  the  Quedlinburgers,  and  his  friends  had 
much  ado  to  prevent  him  from  putting  them  all  to  the 
sword. 

In  the  enemy's  camp  was  found  a  goodly  store  of  pro- 
visions, —  very  welcome  to  the  inmates  of  Regenstein. 

Many  of  the  followers  of  the  friendly  counts,  as  well  as 
the  men  from  Gersdorf  and  Crottorf,  were  distributed  by 
degrees  in  the  neighboring  castles,  and  those  who  could 
not  find  room  there  camped  at  the  foot  of  Regenstein,  for 
there  was  yet  work  for  them  to  do. 

The  victorious  allies  now  rode  together  to  the  castle  to 
celebrate  their  success.  Besides  the  five  brothers,  there 
were  the  counts  Burchaid  von  Mansfeld,  Bernhard's 
father-in-law,  Heinrich  von  Stolberg,  and  Dietrich  von 
Hohnstein,  with  many  of  their  followers,  with  whom  Bock 
von  Schlanstedt  fraternized. 

Albrecht  thought  of  Oda  in  the  midst  of  the  fray,  and 
when  it  was  over  he  sent  to  her  to  let  her  know  that  he 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  233 

was  unhurt.  She  anticipated  bis  return  with  eager  im- 
patience, but  her  joy  was  accompanied  b}^  a  feeling  of 
shrinking  apprehension,  as  if  he  must  now  know  that  she 
loved  him.  Not  that  she  imagined  for  a  moment  that 
Siegfried  had  betrayed  her  secret,  but  it  had  escaped  from 
her  keeping,  and  she  felt  that  it  was  no  longer  only  hers. 

After  a  tedious  delay  another  messenger  arrived,  to 
inform  old  Ursula  of  Albrecht's  speedy  arrival,  and  the 
number  of  his  guests. 

The  thought  of  meeting  him  first  in  the  presence  of 
strangers  was  distasteful  to  Oda,  and  that  she  might  see 
him,  unseen  herself,  she  hastened  to  the  spot  amidst  the 
shrubbery,  where  they  had  watched  the  arrival  of  the 
abbess  and  her  train.  Here  she  now  stood  with  beating 
heart,  listening  intently. 

At  last  came  the  sound  of  the  warder's  trumpet,  more 
triumphant,  she  thought,  than  she  had  ever  heard  it. 
And  there  —  there  he  was,  at  the  head  of  his  friends 
and  followers,  proud  and  elate.  Oh,  how  well  he  looked, 
as  he  sat  erect  on  his  powerful  horse,  his  face  lighted  with 
a  smile,  while  his  eyes  glanced  here  and  there,  as  if  search- 
ing for  some  one,  —  could  it  be  for  her?  She  drew  back 
quickly,  and  he  passed  by. 

Count  Albrecht  led  his  guests  to  the  castle,  and  said,  in 
a  blithesome  tone,  "■  Giinther  and  Siegfried,  see  that  our 
guests  are  well  cared  for.  Poppo,  do  thou  look  after  the 
table." 

"And  what  wilt  thou  do,  Albrecht?"  Siegfried  would 
have  liked  to  ask. 

Albrecht  withdrew  and  proceeded  to  the  orchard,  where 
Oda  still  lingered,  as  if  by  a  secret  presentiment. 

In  another  moment  he  stood  before  her,  and  he  had 
well-nigh  drawn  her  to  his  breast. 

44  Qda?  Oda  J  "  he  cried,  stretching  out  both  hands. 


234  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

She  looked  at  him,  trembling,  but  was  unable  to  speak, 
while  he  forgot  for  the  minute  that  his  part  was  to  woo 
her  for  Siegfried ;  and  she,  that  her  love  for  him  must  be 
hopeless. 

"  Thou  seest  I  have  returned  to  thee,"  he  said  at  last. 

4'  Welcome  home,  Count  Albrecht,"  she  replied.  "  I 
wish  thee  joy.     And  I  thank  thee  for  thy  message." 

"  Wert  thou  angry  with  me  for  leaving  thee  without  a 
word?" 

"  If  thou  haclst  bidden  me  farewell,  I  would  not  have 
let  thee  go,"  she  said,  softly. 

"  I  went  for  thee,  dear  Oda,  and  for  Siegfried,  whom  I 
would  not  put  in  peril,  for  we  could  not  tell  —  " 

"  And  for  Siegfried."  His  name  painfully  awakened 
her  from  her  blissful  dreams.  She  could  not  find  words 
to  thank  him  for  his  devotion,  but  only  said,  l<  Come 
within,  to  thy  guests,  Count  Albrecht." 

As  they  went  into  the  castle,  side  by  side,  he  began, 
"  After  all,  I  must  let  thee  go  for  a  little.  We  are  all 
about  to  take  the  field,  and  thou  canst  not  stay  here 
alone.  Will  it  suit  thee  if  we  escort  thee  to  the  castle  of 
Quedlinburg?  The  abbess  will  surely  receive  thee  cor- 
dially ;  she  hath  herself  invited  thee,  and  I  hope  thy 
sojourn  there  will  not  be  long,  and  Siegfried  hopeth  so," 
he  added,  with  emphasis. 

'•  lam  content  with  whatever  thou  thinkest  best,"  she 
replied,  submissively. 

M  Thou  must  be  prepared,  then,  to  depart  day  after 
to-morrow.     We  set  forth  then,"  said  he. 

Oda  entered  the  hall,  but  now  somewhat  disheartened, 
courteously  saluted  Albrecht* s  guests,  and  retired  as  soon 
as  possible  to  her  apartment.  Siegfried  had  met  her  com- 
ing from  the  orchard  with  Albrecht,  and  he  saw  that  she 
was  very  pale, 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  235 

The  nobles  and  knights  now  seated  themselves  at  table 
and  made  merry,  while  Albrecht  failed  to  notice  how  his 
youngest  brother's  eyes  continually  rested  upon  him  with 
a  look  of  thoughtful  melancholy. 

As  they  talked  over  the  different  phases  and  turns  of 
the  conflict  which  had  just  taken  place,  their  conversation 
took  the  form  more  and  more  of  a  council  of  war  ;  for  now 
that  they  were  all  together,  they  determined  to  give  the 
bishop  and  the  cities  with  whom  he  was  in  league  a  lesson 
which  they  should  not  soon  forget. 

Count  Burchard  von  Mansfeld  was  in  favor  of  first 
seizing  the  earldom  of  Falkenstein  ;  the  counts  of  Stolberg 
and  Hohnstein  wished  to  begin  operations  by  revenging 
themselves  upon  the  Blankenburgs  and  Wernigerodes, 
while  Albrecht' s  brothers  urged  that  the  bishop  should  be 
attacked,  without  loss  of  time. 

But  Count  Albrecht  shook  his  head,  nnd  said,  grimly, 
"  Quedlinburg,  first  of  all !  If  they  will  not  bow  beneath 
the  yoke,  I  will  make  them  pay  well  for  their  misdeeds. 
Do  ye  know  that  while  we  were  shut  in  here  they  took 
Gunteckenburg  by  surprise,  and  reduced  it  to  ashes?" 
Exclamations  of  indignation,  threats,  and  imprecations 
interrupted  him. 

"  Luchard  was  forced  to  fly  with  his  men,  as  many  of 
them  as  were  still  living,  to  the  Wiperti  monastery,"  he  went 
on;  "  but  the  rebels  pursued  them  thither,  destroyed  the 
outside  walls  which  I  built  myself,  and  would  have  razed 
the  whole  building  to  the  ground  if  the  abbess  had  not 
interposed  with  the  full  weight  of  her  authority." 

11  How  knowest  thou  this?"  asked  Count  Burchanl. 

M  On  my  ride  to  Mansfeld,  I  met  one  of  Luchard's  men, 
who  had  been  wounded  and  cut  off  from  his  fellows,  and 
he  told  me  all.  Besides  which,  the  Quedlinburgers  have 
declared  themselves  independent  of  my  jurisdiction.     Add 


236  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

to  this  the  secret  alliance  with  the  bishop,  and  the  meas- 
ure is  full  to  overflowing.  I  will  destroy  their  Town  House 
for  them,  and  those  who  have  crowed  like  cocks  over  the 
downfall  of  Gunteckenburg  may  find  their  heads  too  loose 
upon  their  shoulders." 

No  one  said  anything,  and  the  count  continued,  "  But 
we  Regensteins  are  a  match  for  the  Quedlinburgers ; 
meanwhile  ye  can  seize  Falkenstein,  and  then  we  will  all 
fall  upon  the  bishop  of  Halberstadt." 

"  He  will  defend  himself,  for  he  hath  strong  allies," 
said  Count  von  Stolberg.  "  But  if  the  Hartz  region  and 
Swabia  are  turned  into  a  great  battle-field,  it  will  not  be 
our  fault." 

"  Perad venture,  we  could  save  ourselves  somewhat," 
suggested  Count  von  Mansfeld.  "We  might  send  the 
citizens  of  Halberstadt  a  challenge,  letting  them  know  the 
bishop  is  the  cause  of  it.  They  love  him  not,  and  he  hatli 
foes  in  his  own  chapter." 

"  Agreed  !  "  cried  Albrecht.  "  Poppo,  write  a  challenge 
for  us  ;  thou  knowest  where  to  find  parchment  and  ink." 

Poppo  brought  the  writing  materials,  and  wrote  the 
challenge,  the  customary  wording  of  which  was  at  least  as 
familiar  to  these  warlike  men  as  the  Lord's  Prayer. 

Meanwhile  the  others  continued  their  consultation  over 
the  plans.  They  decided  that  the  counts  of  Mansfeld, 
Stolberg,  and  Hohnstein  should  attack  Falkenstein,  seize 
the  fortress,  drive  out  Count  Hoyer,  and  garrison  it. 
Count  Albrecht,  on  his  part,  should  bring  all  his  forces 
against  the  city  of  Quedlinburg.  During  the  siege,  only 
the  necessary  guard  should  be  maintained  in  the  Regen- 
stein  castles,  but  mounted  soldiers  should  patrol  between 
them,  and  keep  Count  Albrecht  informed  of  whatever 
might  occur. 

So  all  was  finally  arranged,  and  the  next  day  but  one 
was  appointed  for  setting  forth. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  237 

Poppo  now  read  aloud  his  challenge  :  "  Be  it  known  to 
ye,  burgomaster  and  council  of  Halberstadt,  that  we, 
counts'*  (here  followed  the  names),  "  with  our  allies,  on 
behalf  of  Albrecht,  Count  von  Regenstein,  hereby  declare 
ourselves  openly  your  enemies,  and  we  pledge  ourselves 
to  sack  and  destroy  your  city,  if  ye  do  not  within  three 
days  renounce  and  throw  off  wholly  and  entirely  your 
allegiance  to  your  bishop.  We  now  proclaim  our  purpose 
to  ye  in  due  season,  under  our  hands,  and  Count  Albrecht 
von  Regenstein's  seal." 

The  assembled  lords  then  subscribed  their  names  to  the 
document,  and  Poppo  sealed  the  wax  seal  with  the  Regen- 
stein arms. 

"  That  is  done  !  "  exclaimed  Albrecht.  "  Now,  noble 
friends,  let  us  all  make  merry  ! " 

They  were  not  slow  to  follow  his  bidding,  and  soon 
became  merry  indeed.  They  were  outspoken  men,  bold 
and  free,  who  knew  full  well  where  and  when  to  strike  in 
combat,  but  who  in  their  cups  took  little  heed  of  what  they 
said. 

"Here's  to  thy  beautiful  captive,  Albrecht!"  cried 
Count  Dietrich  von  Holm  stein.  "  Thor's  thunders  !  That 
was  not  a  bad  catch,  Bock  von  Schlanstedt !  " 

*  "  And  not  only  the  beautiful  prisoner,  but  the  beautiful 
earldom  of  Falkenstein,  which  will  likewise  fall  into  thy 
hands,"  added  Count  Heinrich  von  Stolberg. 

M  It  hath  not  fallen  in  our  hands  as  yet,"  replied 
Albrecht. 

"Never  fear  !     We  will  take  care  of  that !  " 

"Tell  me,  ye  Regensteins,  which  of  you  is  to  wed  the 
beautiful  countess,  the  eldest  or  the  youngest?"  asked 
Count  Burchard. 

"I  trow  ye  are  all  four  enamoured  of  her!  Confess 
now  ;  am  I  not  right?  "  Count  Dietrich  inquired,  jestingly. 


238  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

M  I  am  !  "  laughed  Poppo.     "  I  acknowledge  it !  " 

"  And  I  also,"  his  brother  Giinther  added. 

"  Albrecht  and  Siegfried  are  silent,"  observed  Count 
Heinrich.     "  That  proveth  that  they  love  her  most." 

"  Now  it  only  remaineth  to  discover  which  of  us  she 
loveth.  Albrecht,  I  believe  she  loveth  thee ! "  said 
Poppo. 

4 'Why  dost  thou  talk  so,  Poppo?"  exclaimed  his  eldest 
brother,  quickty. 

"Oh!  I  have  seen  her  look  at  thee  —  " 

' '  Nonsense  !    Be  silent !  "  interrupted  Albrecht,  sharply. 

u  If  ye  were  not  brothers,"  remarked  Count  Dietrich, 
"  the  simplest  way  to  settle  the  matter  would  be  for  ye  to 
fight  with  one  another  till  there  was  only  one  left  for  her 
to  wed.     As  it  is,  ye  seem  to  be  in  one  another's  way." 

"But  }Tet  we  are  brothers,"  answered  Bernhard,  se- 
verely, "and  not  one  of  us  can  be  in  the  way  of  the  others." 

"  Well !  well !  I  meant  nothing,"  Count  Burchard  said, 
good-naturedly. 

With  the  rapidity  of  lightning,  Albrecht's  and  Sieg- 
fried's eyes  met  at  Count  Dietrich's  untimely  words. 
What  each  thought  and  felt,  no  one  knew.  Siegfried 
remained  silent,  and  Albrecht  noticed  now  for  the  first 
time  his  depressed  looks.  The  talk  had  been  distasteful 
to  him  from  the  outset,  and  he  now  said,  pointedly, 
"  Enough  of  this,  friends  !  Countess  Oda  is  my  guest  as 
well  as  yourselves,  and  I  will  not  have  a  word  more  said 
about  her.  When  we  ride  to  Quedlinburg,  we  will  take 
her  with  us  to  the  abbess,  for  she  cannot  be  here  alone." 

The  conversation  now  took  another  turn,  and  good-fel- 
lowship was  restored.  They  sat  long  at  table,  till  at  last 
Count  Burchard  and  his  vassals  departed  with  his  son  in- 
law for  the  castle  of  Heimburg,  as  Bernhardt  guests. 
The  others   stayed   at  Regenstein,   each  quartered   in   a 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  239 

small  chamber,  and  well  enough  satisfied  with  the  un- 
glazed  windows  and  rude  furniture  of  those  primitive 
days. 

When  Albrecht  lay  again,  for  the  first  time  for  five 
nights,  upon  his  bed,  sleep  refused  to  come,  notwithstand- 
ing the  fatigue  he  had  undergone.  He  thought  not  of  the 
siege,  nor  of  the  risks  he  had  run  to  preserve  his  castle, 
nor  yet  of  the  fight  which  had  taken  place,  any  more  than 
of  that  which  was  to  come ;  he  thought  of  Oda.  She 
appeared,  on  his  return,  so  beautiful  and  winning,  that  it 
seemed  to  him  almost  impossible  to  give  her  up.  Might 
she  not,  after  all,  return  his  affection  ?  She  had  almost 
refused  to  marry  Siegfried,  and  many  a  time  when  they 
were  alone,  he  had  seen  her  cheeks  flush,  her  eyes  light 
up,  and  such  tender  words  came  from  her  as  must  have 
been  for  him  alone. 

But  in  the  midst  of  these  blissful  memories,  the  words 
of  Count  von  Hohnstein  rankled  in  his  memory,  like 
poisoned  arrows,  "Ye  seem  to  be  in  one  another's  way." 

Dietrich  certainly  had  meant  no  evil.  In  the  elation 
of  success,  he  spoke  as  one  who  spends  his  life  in  rough 
contests  and  rivalries.  But  once  said,  his  words  could 
not  be  recalled,  and  rang  again  in  Albiecht's  ears.  "Ac- 
cursed words!"  he  murmured,  and  turned  himself  about 
upon  his  bed,  as  if  he  would  turn  his  back  upon  them. 

At  last  sleep  came  to  him,  but  brought  with  it  a  fright- 
ful dream.  He  thought  he  was  storming  a  castle,  in  order 
to  rescue  Oda,  who  was  imprisoned  there.  Horsemen 
came  to  the  help  of  the  castle,  and  he  shouted  to  Sieg- 
fried, "  Keep  them  back,  till  I  save  Oda  ! "  Siegfried  fell 
upo:i  them  with  a  handful  of  men  and  fought  well ;  but  as 
Albrecht  returned  successful  with  Oda  in  his  arms,  he  saw 
his  brother,  pierced  by  a  lance,  fall  from  his  horse. 
Siegfried  was  dead,  and  Oda  was  his  ! 


240  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

The  first  thing  to  be  done  next  morning  was  to  despatch 
the  challenge  to  the  council  of  Halbertstadt,  as  well  as 
orders  to  the  Regensteins'  several  fortresses.  Bock  asked 
that  five  of  the  "Wicked  Seven"  —  the  sixth,  Rupfer, 
was  yet  disabled  by  his  wounds  —  should  be  among  those 
sent  on  this  errand.  Before  starting,  Bock  took  them 
aside,  and  gave  them  a  special  charge,  of  which  Count 
Albrecht  knew  nothing,  but  which  they  received  with 
demonstrations  of  satisfaction,  promising  to  execute  it 
faithfully. 

Then  began  preparations  for  the  attack  upon  Quedlin- 
burg.  Weapons  of  all  sorts  —  scaling-ladders,  rams,  en- 
gines for  projectiles,  pitchy  firebrands,  and  countless 
bundles  of  arrows  —  were  brought  forth  and  heaped  up  in 
the  court-yard.  Count  Albrecht,  Siegfried,  Bock,  and 
Klinkhard,  the  armorer,  had  their  hands  full,  and  the  former 
had  no  time  to  think  of  Oda,  who  was  herself  occupied, 
together  with  Eilika,  in  making  arrangements  for  her 
departure.  He  was  too  bus}',  also,  to  question  Siegfried  as 
to  his  unusual  demeanor,  so  different  from  his  usual  high 
spirits  before  a  fight.  Albrecht  did  not  dwell  upon  the 
change  in  his  brother,  and  what  he  noticed,  he  attributed 
to  the  talk  at  table  concerning  Oda,  and  he  was  not  wrong. 
Dietrich's  thoughtless  words  as  to  their  being  in  one 
another's  way  had  struck  the  younger  brother  even  more 
forcibly  than  the  elder ;  and  since  the  former's  discovery 
of  Ocla's  love  for  Albrecht,  one  thought  filled  his  mind, 
one  question  occupied  him  :  Did  Albrecht  return  her  love  ? 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  241 

The  entertainment  of  the  guests  was  left  to  Poppo  and 
Gunther  ;  and  although  they  had  had  their  share  of  riding 
and  fighting  the  day  before,  and  so  much  more  was  in 
store  for  them,  they  could  not  sit  still,  but  hastened  to  the 
jousting-court  and  broke  a  couple  of  spears  together. 

While  Eilika  helped  her  mistress  to  prepare  for  her 
short  journey,  she  sighed  from  time  to  time  so  deeply, 
that  Oda  finally  asked  her,  — 

"What  aileth  thee,  Eilika?  Is  it  so  hard  for  thee  to 
go?" 

u  In  sooth,  it  is,  gracious  mistress !  It  is  so  pleasant 
here  ;  and  who  knoweth  that  we  shall  ever  come  back  ?  " 

u  We  are  going  where  we  properly  belong,  Eilika. 
Thou  canst  think  we  have  only  taken  a  roundabout  way 
thither,  as  the  worthy  Bock  expressed  it,  when  he  took  us 
prisoners." 

"Ah!  but  it  is  so  delightful  up  here!"  repeated  the 
maid.  "  What  have  we  not  enjoyed  here,  and  what  hap- 
piness might  be  in  store  for  us,  if  thou  wert  willing ! 
Then  we  should  not  be  forced  to  leave  Regenstein  at  all." 

Notwithstanding  her  own  sorrow,  Oda  could  not  forbear 
smiling  at  her  maid's  laments. 

"  Eilika,"  said  she,  "  dost  thou  find  it  hard  to  say  fare- 
well to  the  doughty  knight  ?  Why  doth  he  not  try  to  keep 
thee?" 

"  We  wait  for  thee  to  set  us  an  example,"  answered 
Eilika.  u  We  cannot  understand  why  thou  shouldst  not 
become  Countess  von  Regenstein,  for  it  only  resteth  with 
thee." 

11  Do  not  speak  of  this  again,  Eilika,"  said  Oda,  turning 
away  in  displeasure. 

Eilika  sighed  over  her  stony-heartedness,  and  went  on 
arranging  her  mistress's  wardrobe  in  silence. 

After  a  time  she  began  again,  "  What  sort  of  life  shall 


242  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

we  lead  with  the  abbess,  my  lady?  Will  it  be  like  any 
other  convent  ?  " 

"  Did  the  abbess  and  her  friend  look  as  if  it  were  so, 
when  they  were  here  ?  " 

"  Nay  ;  they  certainly  did  not,"  laughed  Eilika.  "  And 
Master  Florencins,  the  scrivener  —  " 

"Well,  what  of  him?" 

"  He  dwelleth  likewise  at  the  castle,  and  is  merrier  and 
more  comely  than  the  knight  Bock." 

"  So,  thou  art  already  thinking  of  consolation?" 

"  Ah  !  dear  mistress,  one  must  have  pastime." 

"Well,  if  thou  countest  upon  amusing  thyself  with 
Florencins  at  the  castle,  at  least  do  not  lament  that  thou 
hast  to  leave  Regenstein,"  observed  Oda,  shortly. 

Oda  forced  herself  to  chat  and  jest  with  Eilika  over 
the  preparations  for  departure,  that  she  might  distract  her 
thoughts.  For,  in  truth,  her  heart  was  heavy.  Eilika 
was  right :  what  joy  had  come  to  her? 

Brought  to  Regenstein  as  a  captive,  she  had  been  here 
nearly  five  months,  happy  and  contented  in  the  present, 
scarcely  thinking  of  the  future,  but  which  again  confronted 
her  in  its  grim  reality,  now  that  her  beautiful  dream  had 
vanished.  Her  hero,  whom  she  had  allowed  herself  to 
love  with  her  whole  heart,  was  about  to  disappear  from  her 
in  the  turmoil  of  battle.  If  she  ever  saw  him  again,  it 
would  be  when  he  came  to  claim  another  as  his  bride,  the 
beautiful  abbess,  at  whose  nuptial  rites  in  the  old  convent 
church  she  might,  perchance,  bear  a  burning  taper.  What 
remained  to  her  now  ?  Nothing  but  memories  !  And  to 
fix  them  in  her  mind,  she  climbed  once  again  to  the  stone 
seat,  to  let  her  eyes  rest  on  the  picture  which  she  had  so 
often  looked  at  with  delight,  and  might  see  no  more.  She 
knew  she  would  be  undisturbed,  for  to-day  Count  Albrecht 
had  hardly  a  look  for  her. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  243 

Since  early  morning,  nothing  but  brief  commands  had 
issued  from  the  lips  of  the  count.  In  the  afternoon,  when 
the  preparations  for  departure  were  finished,  he  said  to  his 
trusty  lieutenant,  "  Have  the  messengers  all  returned?" 

"  Not  all ;  three  are  still  away." 

"  Who  carried  the  challenge  to  Halberstadt?" 

"  Nothnagel ;  but  he  hath  not  yet  come  back." 

"  They  cannot  have  detained  him  by  force?" 

"Hardly,  Sir  Count;  at  all  events,  they  have  not  cap- 
tured him  alive." 

Count  Albrecht  was  of  the  same  opinion,  knowing  of 
what  stuff  the  man  was  made.  Without  further  anxiety 
for  Nothnagel,  therefore,  he  went  into  the  stabls  to  con- 
vince himself  that  the  horses  were  thoroughly  shod.  Bock 
betook  himself  to  his  hermit's  cell,  to  make  his  own  simple 
preparation  for  the  march.  Toward  evening,  the  three 
missing  messengers  returned.  Bock  came  out  to  meet 
them,  as  they  dismounted  from  their  horses. 

"  It  is  done,"  said  Nothnagel.  "  I  delivered  the  letter 
at  the  Johann's  gate." 

"What  said  they?" 

M  We  might  come  as  soon  as  we  liked  ;  they  were  ready 
for  us." 

11  The  devil  take  them !  We  will  smoke  them  like 
hams  !     And  the  other  charge?"  continued  Bock. 

"  That  hath  been  attended  to  likewise.  He  swingeth," 
answered  Nothnagel. 

"  From  a  willow-tree,"  Hasenbart  added ;  and  they 
laughed,  diabolically. 

Bock  went  to  his  master  with  his  news.  "Thy  letter 
hath  been  delivered,  Sir  Count.     The  three  have  returned." 

11  What  hath  kept  the  churls  so  long?"  asked  Albrecht. 

Bock  hesitated.  "They  have  done  their  duty,  Sir 
Count." 


244  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

"  They  deserve  no  thanks  for  that !    Where  were  they  ?" 

"They  had  a  little  message  from  me  to  —  to  an  old 
acquaintance,"  stammered  Bock. 

"  To  whom,  Bock  ;  to  whom  ?  " 

"  To  Hinze  Habernack." 

Count  Albrccht,  pointing  his  finger  at  him,  said, 
"  Bock,  Bock,  I  do  not  ask  what  hath  been  done.  I  fear 
me  it  was  an  evil  deed." 

"  Sir  Count,"  returned  the  latter,  firmly,  "  I  take  the 
sin  upon  my  own  soul." 

But  he  lingered,  and  Albrecht  saw  that  he  had  some- 
thing on  his  mind. 

"  What  aileth  thee?"  he  asked. 

"  Sir  Count,  the  templar  knocked  loudly  this  evening." 

"Again?"  exclaimed  Albrecht.  "  Hath  any  one  else 
heard  it?" 

"  I  think  not." 

"Be  silent,  then,  and  see  that  none  linger  about  the 
place.  They  will  take  it  for  an  evil  portent,  and  that  is 
not  well  when  one  is  going  to  meet  the  enemy.  Dost 
understand  ?  " 

Bock  nodded,  and  turned  his  steps  toward  the  dark 
hollow.  There  he  sat  for  a  long  time  upon  a  rock,  guard- 
ing the  ill-omened  spot,  and  listening  with  gloomy  thoughts 
to  the  unearthly  sounds.  The  night  was  dark,  not  a  star 
shone  down  upon  the  lonely  watcher,  and  the  wind  moaned 
mournfully  about  the  nooks  and  corners  of  the  old  castle. 

As  Count  Albrecht  and  his  friends  with  their  followers 
rode  next  morning  to  Quedlinburg,  the  spectacle  was  one 
to  rejoice  a  soldier's  heart.  Pennons  fluttered,  helmets 
glittered  in  the  sun,  weapons  clashed,  accoutrements  rat' 
tied,  and  horses  snorted  and  pawed  the  ground.  The 
men-at-arms  sang,  and  indulged  in  all  sorts  of  pranks,  for 
they  were  elated  at  the  prospect  of  storming  and  plunder- 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  245 

ing  the  city,  and  hoped  to  return  with  rare  booty.  The 
eight  counts  rode  at  their  head,  and  Oda  with  them. 

"  Thou  art  the  first  maiden,  Countess  Oda,  who  hath 
been  escorted  by  men-at-arms  to  the  convent,"  said  Count 
von  Stolberg. 

u  And  will  ye  all  accompany  me  to  the  abbess?"  asked 
she,  with  a  smile. 

"  Nay,"  he  answered  ;  "we  turn  to  the  right  at  the  foot 
of  the  hill,  and  ride  to  —  " 

"  We  will  spare  Countess  Jutta  the  alarm  of  seeing  her 
castle  invested  by  men-at-arms,"  interrupted  Albrecht,  for 
he  feared  Count  Heinruh  would  let  Oda  know  that  the 
goal  of  their  expedition  was  Falkenstein.  "  Siegfried 
shall  conduct  Countess  Oda  to  the  abbess." 

Neither  Siegfried  nor  Oda  were  well  pleased  with  this 
plan,  but  neither  dared  make  any  objection. 

Eilika  rode  behind  her  mistress  with  the  men  who  led 
the  pack-horses ;  and  Bock  came  trotting  up  to  her,  say- 
ing, "Dost  thou  recognize  this  as  the  way  by  which  we 
rode  together  to  Regenstein  ?  " 

"  I  have  not  noticed  the  road  ;  I  have  had  eyes  only  for 
thee,  Sir  Knight,"  answered  the  roguish  girl. 

u  7"  have  not  forgotten  it,"  he  replied,  considerably 
flattered,  "  and  I  hope  soon  to  ride  back  by  thy  side. 
Meanwhile,  fare  thee  well,  and  forget  me  not !  " 

As  the  armed  body  approached  Quedlinburg,  the  tocsin 
sounded,  and  they  soon  saw  head  after  head  appear  over 
the  breastworks.  The  gates  were  fastened,  and  the 
bridges  drawn  up.  The  town  was  prepared  for  a  conflict 
with  the  Regensteins,  before  the  challenge  was  sent,  and 
were  on  the  watch  for  any  signs  of  the  advancing  foe. 

Soldiers,  citizens,  women,  and  children  mounted  the 
walls  to  behold  their  enemies  and  discover  their  strength, 
but  the  helpless  non-combatants  soon  disappeared. 


246  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

Count  Albrecht  ordered  a  halt  oil  the  Miinzenburg,  a 
couple  of  bow-shots  from  the  gates,  and  the  counts  of 
Stolberg,  Hohnstein,  and  Mansfeld  took  leave  of  the 
Regensteins  and  Countess  Oda,  promising  to  send  tidings 
of  their  success ;  and  Count  Stolberg  said  to  Oda,  "  My 
cousin,  Conn' ess  Luitgard,  is  in  the  convent  chapter.  I 
pray  thee  greet  her  for  me."  They  then  departed  with 
their  followers,  on  the  way  to  Falkenstein. 

Count  Albrecht  divided  his  forces,  and  stationed  them 
at  different  points  under  the  command  of  his  brothers,  for 
the  investment  of  the  city.  He  was  not  able  to  surround 
it  entirely,  for  he  deemed  it  unsafe  to  separate  his  men  by 
too  great  distances,  considering  it  best,  with  his  moderate 
force,  to  make  unexpected  assaults  at  different  gates. 

In  bidding  Oda  farewell,  he  grasped  her  hand,  saying, 
"God  bless  thee,  Countess  Oda!  Thou  canst  observe 
our  movements  from  the  castle.  As  soon  as  I  can,  I  will 
come  up  and  visit  thee.  Say  so  to  the  abbess.  Farewell, 
till  we  meet  again." 

"God  have  thee  in  his  keeping,  Count  Albrecht,"  she 
answered,  heartily,  and  rode  off  with  Siegfried,  Eilika, 
and  two  mounted  soldiers,  and  the  men  with  the  pack- 
horses    followed  them  at  a  short  distance. 

As  they  ascended  the  steep  hillside,  Siegfried  said, 
''Countess  Oda,  let  us  take  leave  of  each  other  here, 
where  no  one  can  observe  us.  God  knows  and  thou 
knowest  that  I  love  thee  more,  far  more,  than  I  can  tell. 
For  a  time,  I  lived  in  hope,  but  it  was  a  short  dream. 
Thou  lovest  my  brother,  and  I  believe  he  loveth  thee, 
though  I  do  not  know  it.  If  he  should  offer  thee  his 
hand,  accept  it,  and  mayest  thou  be  happy !  And  when 
thou  comest  to  dwell  at  Regenstein,  think  of  me,  and  —  " 
But  here  his  voice  failed  him. 

Oda,  who  had  liste \ed  to  his  words,  deeply  grieved,  now 


THE  BOBBER  COUNT.  247 

said  to  him,  M  Count  Siegfried,  I  thank  thee  for  the  affec- 
tion which  thou  hast  shown  me  ;  my  destiny  is  in  God's 
hand ;  but  if  we  come  together  again,  let  us  remain 
good,  loving  friends,  Siegfried,  as  we  have  been  during 
all  the  happy  days  at  Regenstein." 

She  held  out  her  hand,  but  he  would  not  allow  himself 
to  take  it.  "  We  shall  never  see  each  other  again  in  this 
world,  Countess  Oda !  This  is  a  long  farewell,  and  it  is 
well,  for  I  cannot  live  without  thee.  I  have  now  but  one 
wish,  that  thou  shouldst  make  Albrecht  happy  !  " 

She  did  not  understand  his  words,  and  replied,  quietly, 
"  Why  should  we  not  meet  again,  Count  Siegfried? 
Wait  a  little,  and  sunshine  will  once  more  come  to  thee. 
If  I  can  help  thy  noble  brother,  it  will  give  me  joy.  I 
will  serve  him  in  every  way  I  can  ! " 

She  offered  him  her  hand  again,  and  now  he  took  and 
pressed  it  ferventl}\ 

"  We  are  here,"  he  said.  "  Show  the  abbess  a  friendly 
countenance,  and  I  counsel  thee,  for  Albrecht's  sake,  let 
her  not  see  that  thou  lovest  him." 

The  inmates  of  the  castle  had  seen  their  approach,  and 
Florencius  received  them  in  the  court-yard,  and  conducted 
them  up  the  steps.  The  abbess  and  canoness  met  them 
above,  and  bade  them  welcome.  Jutta  was  pleased  to 
see  Oda  in  Siegfried's  care,  and  thought  to  herself,  "  He 
commits  his  betrothed  to  my  kee^  ing  till  the  fighting  is 
over,  and  he  can  take  her  home  as  his  bride  !  "  "  And 
Count  Albrecht?"  she  inquired.  "  Had  he  not  time  to 
come  ?  " 

"  Nay,  my  lady,"  returned  Siegfried,  "  it  was  not  possi- 
ble ;  but  he  sendeth  thee  greeting." 

"  And  will  see  thee  as  soon  as  he  can,"  added  Oda. 

"  Thou  also  wilt  be  welcome  at  all  times,  Count  Sieg- 
fried," said  the  abbess. 


248  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

"  I  thank  thee,  my  lady,"  replied  he. 

The  abbess  and  Adelheid  turned  aside,  and  spoke  to- 
gether in  low  tones,  not  to  interfere  with  the  lovers' 
farewell ;  but  they  were  brief. 

u  Farewell,  dear,  dear  Oda  !  "  exclaimed  Siegfried. 

"Farewell,  Siegfried!  "  she  answered,  full  of  pity. 

One  more  pressure  of  the  hand,  one  long  look,  a  mute 
bow  to  the  two  ladies,  and  Siegfried  was  gone. 

Jutta  and  Adelheid  each  took  one  of  Oda's  hands,  and 
the  abbess  said,  "  Come,  dear  Oda,  we  will  conduct  thee 
to  thy  room.  From  thy  windows  thou  canst  see  Regen- 
stein.  Later,  I  will  summon  the  sisters  of  the  chapter, 
for  they  have  all  anxiously  awaited  thy  coming." 

1  'And  also  not  without  curiosity,"  added  Adelheid, 
smiling. 

Siegfried  rode  slowly  down  the  hill  to  Albrecht's  camp, 
and  seeing  his  brother  from  afar,  he  put  spurs  to  his  horse, 
and  galloped  toward  him.  As  he  drew  his  sword  and 
brandished  it,  he  looked,  with  his  shining  armor  and  fair 
flowing  locks,  like  the  youthful  St.  George. 

i  'Here  I  am,  Albrecht !  "  he  cried,  in  a  loud,  excited 
voice.    "  Now  send  me  wherever  the  fight  will  be  hottest !  " 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  249 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

The  result  of  the  siege  of  Quedlinburg  was  not  at  all  in 
accordance  with  Count  Albrccht's  hopes,  for  the  brave  city 
proved  far  more  difficult  to  vanquish  than  he  had  imagined. 
The  repeated  assaults  upon  the  different  gates  were 
valiantly  repulsed,  and  two  conflagrations,  kindled  by 
explosives  thrown  into  the  city,  were  quickly  extin- 
guished, so  that  the  besiegers  had  as  yet  gained  no  signal 
advantage. 

The  count  was  consequently  in  a  very  bad  humor,  and 
the  visit  to  the  castle,  which  on  Jutta's  account  he  was 
constrained  and  on  Oda's  he  was  fain  to  make,  he  cut  as 
short  as  possible. 

Mindful  of  Siegfried's  words,  Oda  was  shy  and  reserved, 
but  appeared  contented  with  the  abbess  and  the  other 
inmates  of  the  convent.  Jutta  attributed  the  blunt, 
almost  unfriendly,  demeanor  of  Count  Albrecht  to  his 
chagrin  at  his  ill-success,  and  volunteered  her  services  as 
peacemaker  between  him  and  the  city,  but  her  offer  was 
declined.  His  resentment  toward  the  town  increased 
daily,  as  he  found  himself  no  nearer  its  reduction,  and 
powerless  to  revenge  himself  for  the  blackened  ruins  of 
Gnnteckenburg. 

Siegfried  neither  accompanied  his  elder  brother  on  his 
visit  to  the  castle,  nor  did  he  go  alone.  Count  Albrecht 
fancied  that  he  had  declared  to  Oda,  or  perchance  had 
bound  himself  by  a  vow,  not  to  see  her  till  he  could  come 
as  victor.  ITe  asked  him  no  questions,  but  this  conjecture 
was  strengthened  by  Siegfried's  eager  offers  of  service  on 


250  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

every  occasion,  and  by  his  impatient  desire  that  the  Qued- 
linburgers  might  sally  forth  and  give  battle  in  the  open 
field. 

But  this  they  were  in  no  haste  to  do.  The  bishop  and 
the  cities  of  Halberstadt  and  Aschcrsleben  must  soon  come 
to  their  help,  and  consequently  they  waited.  When  they 
perceived  their  allies  advancing,  they  would  then  sally 
from  the  gates  and  try  their  strength  with  the  enemy,  but 
till  then  they  prudently  held  themselves  aloof.  They  kept  a 
vigilant  watch,  however,  guarded  all  their  gates,  and  calmly 
beheld  the  enemy's  tents  by  day  and  his  camp-fires  by  night. 
The  Regensteins  could  not  starve  them  out,  though  they 
had  cut  off  their  communication  with  the  outer  world,  and 
had  captured  a  train  of  wagons  laden  with  merchandise, 
which  was  destined  for  Quedlinburg,  and  was  coming  from 
Nordhausen,  by  the  old  high  road  over  the  Hartz.  This 
made  the  long  delay  of  the  expected  succor  more  irksome. 
Count  Albrecht,  on  the  other  hand,  was  well  satisfied, 
and  his  satisfaction  soon  increased. 

The  letter  to  the  council  of  Halberstadt  had  had  the 
desired  effect,  even  beyond  Count  Albrecht's  most  san- 
guine hopes ;  the  bishop  had  been  driven  from  the  city, 
and  obliged  to  seek  refuge  in  flight. 

It  happened  in  this  wise  :  Albrecht  von  Regenstein  Was 
beloved  by  the  common  people,  far  and  wide,  because  he 
never  maltreated  them,  like  other  feudal  lords,  but  pro- 
tected them  against  their  oppressors.  The  bishop,  on  the 
other  hand,  had  few  friends  among  them,  as  he  vigorously 
demanded  his  tithes  and  revenues  ;  thus  it  was  that  the 
mass  of  the  people  took  the  count's  side,  when  the  quarrel 
between  them  became  known. 

Upon  the  arrival  of  the  letter  which  threatened  Quedlin- 
burg with  great  danger,  by  reason  of  the  bishop,  the 
artisans  and  poorer  townsfolk  in  Halberstadt  rose  up  in 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  251 

insurrection.  The  town  council  and  wealthy  citizens  did 
little  or  nothing  to  suppress  it,  partly  because  they  lacked 
power,  or  feared  for  their  lives  and  property ;  partly 
because  they  were  willing  that  the  bishop  should  receive 
a  severe  lesson  for  his  haughty  demeanor  and  his  inter- 
ference with  the  government  of  the  city.  The  insurrec- 
tion was  secretly  encouraged  by  his  enemies  in  the  chapter, 
and  the  excited  populace  threatening  to  storm  the  epis- 
copal palace  ;  there  was  nothing  for  the  bishop  to  do  but 
to  flee  from  Halberstadt.  He  had  escaped  by  night,  either 
to  his  fortress  of  Hornburg,  on  the  Use,  or  to  the  castle  of 
Wiedelah,  whence  he  could  easily  reach  the  Hartzburg, 
the  well-fortified  stronghold  of  the  counts  of  Wernigerode. 

This  intelligence  was  extremely  welcome  to  Count 
Albrecht,  for  though  he  was  far  from  imagining  that  the 
fugitive  bishop  would  sit  down  and  fold  his  hands,  he  was 
glad  to  be  left  unmolested  for  the  present,  and  he  hoped 
that  under  these  circumstances  Halberstadt  might  be 
unwilling  to  send  aid  to  the  Quedlinburgers. 

The  news  which  he  received  from  his  allies  was  also 
very  gratifying.  The  garrison  of  Falkenstein,  for  its 
honor's  sake,  and  for  the  credit  of  its  loyalty  to  its  lord, 
had  held  out  for  three  days  before  surrendering,  where- 
upon Count  Hover  and  his  pious  wife  and  chaplain  had 
reluctantly  withdrawn.  Their  successors  established  them- 
selves comfortably  in  the  beautiful  fortress,  and  amused 
themselves  by  following  the  chase  in  the  neighboring 
forest.  They  concluded  their  message  to  Count  Albrecht 
by  asking  if  he  wished  their  help.  If  not,  they  would 
continue  to  hold  Falkenstein  —  in  other  words,  go  on  with 
their  hunting  and  carousing  —  till  he  or  one  of  his 
brothers  relieved  them.  In  that  case,  would  Count 
Burchard  and  his  men  go  on  to  seize  the  territory  of 
Arnstein,  an  appendage  of  the  earldom  of  Falkenstein? 


252  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

Albrecht  understood  what  this  meant.  Arnstein,  with 
its  castle,  bordered  on  Burchard's  earldom  of  Mansfeld, 
and  if  he  wished  to  seize  it,  he  undoubtedly  meant  to  do 
so  for  his  own  benefit. 

But  Count  Albrecht  could  not  refuse  his  ally  this  reward 
for  the  valuable  assistance  he  had  rendered  him.  More- 
over, Count  Albrecht  wished  to  show  the  Quedlinburgers 
that  he  was  quite  strong  enough  to  chastise  them  single- 
handed,  so  that  in  future  they  might  have  a  proper  respect 
for  his  authority. 

Therefore  he  assured  his  friends  that  he  did  not  need 
their  aid.  Burchard  might  occupy  Arnstein  if  he  pleased, 
and  Heinrich  and  Dietrich  could  remain  at  Falkenstein  till 
he  should  send  to  relieve  them,  which  he  hoped  might  be 
soon.  But  he  desired  them  to  keep  a  vigilant  watch  upon 
the  city  of  Aschersleben,  so  that  he  should  not  be  taken  by 
surprise,  and  to  persuade  the  princes  of  Anhalt,  especially 
Bernhard,  to  join  in  the  alliance  against  the  bishop. 

The  negligence  on  the  part  of  the  other  cities  appeared 
suspicious  to  the  Quedlinburgers,  and  they  determined  to 
learn  whether  they  would  adhere  to  their  agreement,  and 
why  they  did  not  send  succor  to  Quecllinburg.  As  the 
city  was  incompletely  invested,  messengers  were  de- 
spatched in  the  night  through  a  postern  gate,  and  passed 
through  the  enemy's  camp,  returning  the  next  night. 

In  this  way  the  citizens  of  Quedlinburg  heard  the  story 
of  the  bishop's  expulsion.  But  the  burgomaster  and 
council  of  Halberstadt  declared  they  had  no  intention  of 
breaking  their  covenant,  and  would  not  leave  their  sister 
city  in  the  lurch,  could  they  only  hold  out  a  few  days 
longer.  The  council  was  negotiating  with  the  bishop  in 
regard  to  his  return.  They  would  send  a  force  of  horse 
and  foot  soldiers  to  their  aid  as  soon  as  possible,  and 
announce  its  approach  by  a  flag  on  one  of  the  towers  of 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  253 

Halberstadt.  The  Quedlinburgers  must  keep  watch,  and 
make  a  sortie  at  the  right  time  upon  the  enemy. 

The  message  from  Aschersleben  sounded  less  favorable. 
They  assured  their  allies  that  they  could  not  come  to  their 
aid,  for  the  counts  of  Stolberg  and  Hohnstein  barred  the 
way  ;  the  besieged  must  therefore  be  patient,  and  wait  for 
aid  from  Halberstadt.  Aschersleben,  it  seemed,  had 
deserted  them  in  their  need. 

Even  from  the  highest  tower  of  Quedlinburg  the  road 
from  Halberstadt  was  hidden  by  surrounding  hills,  but 
the  signal  tower  of  Halberstadt  was  visible,  though  not  to 
the  besiegers.  Through  the  whole  Hartz  were  scattered 
ten  such  watch-towers,  whence  one  could  see  and  signal 
far  and  wide,  but  the  townsfolk  looked  long  before  they 
could  see  the  flag  fluttering  on  the  Halberstadt  tower? 

Meantime  Count  Albrecht  continued  his  efforts  to  break 
into  the  city.  Once  his  men  almost  succeeded  ;  the  High 
gate  was  forced,  and  the  Regcnsteins  were  already  half 
through  it  when  they  were  driven  back  by  a  shower  of 
arrows  and  stones,  boiling  water  and  oil.  Albrecht's 
auger  at  his  failure  now  increased  daily. 

Finally,  at  the  last  moment,  he  received  the  menacing 
intelligence  that  the  bishop,  after  much  negotiation,  had 
returned  to  Halberstadt  and  been  welcomed  by  the  fickle 
citizens.  But  worse  than  this  was  the  news  that  they 
were  coming  in  considerable  force  to  the  assistance  of  the 
beleaguered  town,  and  might  be  expected  to  appear  at  any 
time  before  the  walls. 

Albrecht  well  knew  how  his  enemies  thirsted  for 
revenge,  and  he  posted  his  sentinels  at  once  upon  the 
nearest  hills. 

As  he  stood  one  morning,  with  his  three  3'onnger 
brothers  and  Bock,  near  the  G roper  gate,  he  noticed  a 
lively  commotion   upon   the  walls,  which   indicated   that 


254  THE   ROBBER  COUNT. 

something  unusual  was  about  to  happen ;  perchance  a 
sortie. 

At  that  moment  messengers  arrived,  announcing  the 
approach  of  the  Halberstadt  troops ;  the  main  body  was 
at  some  distance,  but  a  vanguard  of  horsemen  was  already 
on  the  Liebfrauen  hill. 

u  We  must  force  them  back,  or  in  any  case  delay  them 
until  we  know  what  this  commotion  meaneth,"  declared 
Count  Albrecht. 

Then,  looking  at  Siegfried,  he  said,  briefly,  u  Siegfried, 
thou  must  go  to  meet  them  ;  fall  upon  them  in  the  narrow 
pass  of  the  Weinberg,  and  hold  them  back  as  long  as  thou 
hast  a  man  left !  " 

"  That  will  be  a  hot  piece  of  work  for  Count  Siegfried, 
my  ldrd,"  interposed  Bock.  "  A  fight  in  the  pass  will  be 
a  bloody  matter,  and  we  know  not  yet  the  strength  —  " 

"  It  cannot  be  helped  !  "  exclaimed  Albrecht ;  "  it  must 
be  done,  and  thou  must  go  with  him." 

Siegfried  ordered  the  trumpeters  to  sound  "  to  horse," 
and  with  the  "light  of  battle"  in  his  eyes,  he  rode  away 
with  Bock  and  his  mail-clad  horsemen. 

The  count  then  turned  to  his  two  other  brothers. 
"Giinther,  thou  must  guard  the  High  gate;  Bernhard 
remaineth  at  the  Ohringer  gate,  and  thou,  Poppo,  stayest 
here !  Keep  up  communication  with  one  another,  and 
help  one  another  in  case  of  need.  If  ye  can  spare  any 
men,  send  them  to  Siegfried's  aid  ;  if  ye  must  retire,  do 
so  in  this  direction.  Should  a  retreat  be  necessary,  fly 
toward  Gersdorf !  " 

"  And  Siegfried?"  asked  Poppo  ;  "  shall  he  be  left  with 
only  his  handful  of  men,  in  the  defile?  He  will  never 
retreat,  but  —  " 

"  I  will  follow  him,  as  soon  as  all  is  in  readiness  here," 
answered  Albrecht. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT,  255 

Gunther  and  Poppo  stationed  themselves  at  their  posts, 
and  awaited  the  foe. 

Albreeht  sent  a  rider  to  repeat  his  orders  to  Bernhard, 
and  then  halted  upon  a  hill  with  a  body  of  his  foot- 
soldiers,  whence  he  could  overlook  the  field  of  battle. 

Siegfried  galloped  at  the  head  of  his  men  toward 
Ilalberstadt.  He  said  nothing,  but  looked  about  him 
with  a  feverish  glance,  first  to  the  peaceful  Hue  sky,  then 
toward  the  forest  and  Regenstein  And  as  he  entered 
the  narrow  pass  of  the  Weinberg,  he  turned  toward  the 
castle  and  waved  his  hand,  as  if  in  final  farewell. 

A  few  moments  later,  in  a  bend  of  the  defile,  he  came 
directly  upon  the  men  of  Halberstadt.  Siegfried  raised 
himself  in  the  stirrups,  brandished  his  sword,  and  cried 
aloud,  "  Forward  !     Victory  or  death  !  " 

The  troops  rushed  upon  one  another  in  a  hand-to-hand 
encounter,  and  fought  fiercely  ;  swords  clashed,  and  maces 
and  battle-axes  fell  heavily  on  helmet  and  shield.  Both 
sides  struggled  obstinately,  and  the  combatants  were 
mingled  in  wild  confusion.  Where  the  contest  was  hot- 
test, there  was  Siegfried,  while  Bock  endeavored  to  keep 
by  his  side,  risking  his  life  repeatedly  in  his  efforts  to 
protect  his  chief. 

Finally  the  Regenstein3  were  victorious,  and  the  men  of 
Ilalberstadt  turned  and  fled,  the  victors  following  in  mad 
pursuit. 

In  the  defile  all  was  now  still.  "The  dead  and  dying, 
with  sword  or  lance  still  held  in  their  stiffened  grasp,  lay 
side  by  side,  and  there  among  them  was  the  youngest,  the 
flower  of  the  house  of  Regenstein,  slowly  breathing  out  his 
life.  lie  had  fallen  upon  his  back  and  was  looking  up  to 
the  sky,  the  left  hand  pressed  upon  the  breast ;  a  peaceful 
expression  rested  upon  his  face. 

And  now  came  Bock,  rushing  back  to  the  scene  of  the 


256  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

struggle.  He  had  missed  Siegfried,  and  returned  in  haste 
to  seek  him.  Finding  him  thus  on  the  ground,  Bock  flung 
himself  out  of  the  saddle,  crying,  "  Count  Siegfried, 
art  thou  wounded  ?  " 

"  A  stab  in  the  breast,"  answered  Siegfried,  weakly. 

u  Well,  well,"  said  Bock,  more  distressed  than  he  chose 
to  show.     "  All  wounds  heal  quickly  at  thy  age." 

Siegfried  moved  his  head  a  little.  "  Nay,  Bock,  not 
all.  Faithful  friend,  come  nearer  !  I  have  a  secret  to  tell 
thee,  —  it  must  not  be  buried  with  me." 

'*  Count  Siegfried  !  "  cried  Bock,  "  God  in  heaven  !  —  " 
but  he  could  go  no  further.  The  old  knight  had  seen  too 
many  men  laid  low,  not  to  know  full  well  the  look  on 
Siegfried's  face. 

"  Come  close,  Bock,  — listen.  Countess  Oda  hath  con- 
fessed that  she  loveth  —  not  me  —  but  Albrecht.  Tell 
him,  Bock,  when  I  am  dead,  —  nearest  thou,  —  only  to 
him,  to  no  other,  —  I  could  not." 

"  It  shall  be  done,  Count  Siegfried,  if  I  live,"  answered 
Bock,  cut  to  the  heart.  Tears  came  to  the  eyes  of  the 
hardened  veteran,  and  coursed  down  his  wrinkled  cheeks. 
He  half  lifted,  half  dragged  his  young  master  to  the 
border  of  the  road,  and  laid  him  on  the  grassy  slope. 

"Thank  thee!"  sighed  Siegfried.  "Farewell,  old 
friend.  Go  now,  Bock !  Let  no  one  through  the 
pass  !  " 

Bock  could  stay  no  longer  ;  he  must  return  to  his  men, 
and  saw,  alas,  only  too  clearly,  that  he  could  do  nothing. 
He  grasped  Siegfried's  hand  with  a  groan,  then  clinching 
his  teeth,  he  sprang  into  the  saddle  and  dashed  away. 

The  sortie  of  the  Qnedlinburgers  from  the  Ohringer, 
Groper,  and  High  gates  was  feeble  and  spiritless  ;  and 
when  Count  Albrecht  saw  that  his  men  presented  a  firm 
front  to  the  enemy,  he  turned  with  his  foot-soldiers  toward 


TfflB  UOBBER  COUNT.  2hl 

the  Weinberg.  As  he  rode  slowly  at  their  head,  a  sort  of 
panic  seized  him  as  regards  his  brother.  He  had  sent 
Siegfried  against  the  foe,  and  ordered  him  to  hold  out  to 
the  last.  Siegfried  had  shown  a  reckless  courage  through- 
out the  siege  ;  what  would  he  do  now,  urged  on  by  such 
orders  as  these?  It  might  be  that  he  had  sent  his  brother 
to  his  death.  His  dream  recurred  to  him,  and  his  anxiety 
increased  with  every  step.  Tie  urged  his  horse  into  a  trot, 
then  into  a  gallop,  spurring  him  on  till  at  last  he  left  the 
road  and  swept  across  the  open  country,  as  if  driven  b}r 
avenging  spirits,  toward  the  pass.  Soon  he  reached  the 
ill-fated  spot,  where  lay  the  body  of  his  brother  beside 
the  road  ;  whether  living  or  dead,  he  knew  not. 

"  Siegfried!  Siegfried!  Merciful  Father  !"  he  cried, 
then  sprang  from  his  horse,  and  bent  over  the  prostrate 
form. 

Siegfried  looked  at  him  with  clouded  eyes  ;  a  painful 
smile  flitted  over  the  pale  face,  and  he  said,  softly,  "We 
have  conquered,  Albrecht,  but  it  hath  cost  thee  a  brother  !  " 

"  Siegfried  !  Oh  !  my  God  !  And  I  have  sent  thee  to 
thy  death !  " 

"  Nay,  nay,"  whispered  the  other. 

Albrecht  knelt  down,  gazing  into  his  brother's  face. 
"My  dream!  My  dream!  Why  was  I  not  warned  by 
it !  "  he  moaned. 

Siegfried  did  not  understand  him.  He  attempted  to 
give  Albrecht  his  hand,  but  was  too  weak.  Albrecht  took 
it  tenderly,  and  thought  he  felt  a  slight  pressure.  Sieg- 
fried tried  to  motion  his  brother  to  come  yet  nearer,  as  he 
was  not  able  to  raise  his  voice,  "  Albrecht,  greet  Oda  for 
me  ;  now  am  I  —  no  longer  in  thy  way,"  he  gasped. 

"Siegfried!  what  sayest  thou?  Siegfried!  Thou 
must  not  think  thou  wast  ever  in  my  way,"  cried  Al- 
brecht.    "  I  wished  to  make  thee  happy,  thee  and  Oda ! " 


258  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

Siegfried  could  hear  him  no  more .  But  Albrecht,  holding 
him  in  his  arms,  heard  him  yield  up  his  latest  breath. 

The  company  of  foot-soldiers  had  in  the  mean  time 
reached  the  pass,  and  stood  whispering  in  the  road  at  a 
little  distant  e,  awed  by  the  grief  of  their  leader.  They 
asked  him  for  no  instructions,  and  he  gave  them  none, 
and  hardly  recognized  their  presence.  Overpowered  by 
grief,  he  forgot  everything  but  the  brother  whose  lifeless 
head  lay  upon  his  lap.  Beyond  the  Weinberg,  the  fugi- 
tives, pursued  by  Bock  and  his  men,  turned  aside  from  the 
road,  and  took  to  the  open  fields,  still  follow  d  by  the 
Eegenstein  horse.  Finally  the  latter  gave  up  the  chase, 
but  could  not  return  by  the  way  they  had  come,  for  the 
main  body  of  the  Ilalberstadt  troops  had  now  come  up, 
and  cut  off  their  retreat  in  that  direction. 

The  contest  before  the  city  walls  resulted  badly  for 
the  Regensteins.  The  first  sally  of  the  Quedlinburgers 
from  two  of  their  gates  was  only  intended  to  deceive  their 
enemies  and  keep  them  occupied.  Out  of  the  middle,  the 
Groper  gate,  they  poured  in  unlooked-for  strength,  drove 
back  Poppo  and  his  men,  and  separated  Bernhard  and 
Gunther,  assailing  them  both  at  once,  while  now,  also  in 
great  numbers,  they  sallied  forth  from  the  Ohringer  and 
High  gates.  The  besiegers  were  overmatched,  and,  in- 
deed, routed.  A  body  of  Halberstadt  soldiers  had  gone 
around  the  Weinberg  and  intercepted  Poppo  and  Gunther, 
both  of  whom  were  retreating,  slightly  wounded,  so  that 
they  were  forced  with  their  followers  to  fly  toward  Wester- 
hausen.  On  the  way,  Bock  overtook  them,  bringing  the 
terrible  tidings  of  Siegfried's  fall.  Thereupon  they  set 
out  for  the  Weinberg  pass,  in  order  to  save  their  brother 
or  his  dead  body  from  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  Where 
Albrecht  and  Bernhard  were,  they  knew  not. 

Siegfried's  impetuous  ride  had  been  witnessed  from  the 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  259 

Quedlinburg  towers,  and  Count  Albrccht  was  seen  to  fol- 
low, and  a  body  of  troops  had  been  sent  after  him. 

At  full  gallop,  Count  Albrecht  came  out  of  the  pass, 
and  behind  him,  in  pursuit,  came  twenty  of  the  bishop's 
men. 

At  the  first  glance,  he  saw  that  the  day  was  lost,  and 
his  troops  completely  routed.  The  nearest  way  to  the 
fortress  of  Gersdorf  passed  Quedlinburg,  and  he  took  it, 
trusting  to  the  speed  of  his  horse.  He  must  needs  ap- 
proach the  Ohringer  gate,  and  this  settled  his  fate.  He 
encountered  there  a  number  of  horsemen  who  had  taken 
no  part  in  the  fight,  and  whose  horses,  therefore,  were  fresh. 
They  observed  the  count's  flight  toward  Gersdorf,  and 
gave  chase  so  hotly  that  in  his  distress  he  plunged  into  a 
morass,  from  which  his  exhausted  horse  was  unable  to 
extricate  himself. 

Immediately  he  was  surrounded  by  his  enemies,  several 
of  whom  boldly  ventured  into  the  quagmire.  There  a 
desperate  struggle  took  place,  Count  Albrecht  defending 
himself  like  a  wild  boar,  but  he  was  overpowered  at  last 
and  wounded  in  the  right  arm. 

Then  an  almost  incredible  thing  happened:  Count  Al- 
brecht von  Regenstein  was  taken  prisoner  by  the  Quedlin- 
burgers. 

Like  fire  amongst  thatch  spread  the  cry,  "  We  have  him  ! 
we  have  him  !  "  till  it  reached  the  gates  of  the  city,  where 
a  thousand  voices  took  it  up,  and  shouted  in  triumph, 
u  The  robber  count  is  caught !  The  robber  count  cometh 
ti  prisoner !  " 

Notwithstanding  all  his  exertions,  Beruhard  had  been 
unable  to  cut  his  way  through  to  Poppo,  and  withdrew, 
fighting,  in  accordance  with  Albrecht' s  instructions,  in  the 
direction  of  Castle  Gersdorf.  But  seeing  in  the  distance 
a   rider   hotly   pursued,  whom   he   thought   must  be  bis 


260  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

eldest  brother,  he  tried  to  go  to  his  aid.  But  in  vain  :  he 
was  once  more  beaten  back,  though  not  pursued. 

The  fighting  was  now  at  an  end  ;  the  power  of  the 
Regensteins  was  broken  and  apparently  destroyed.  The 
victors  were  abundantly  satisfied,  and  paid  no  further  heed 
to  the  detached  bodies  of  the  enemy  scattered  here  and 
there. 

As  soon  as  Bernhard  perceived  this,  he  determined  not 
to  continue  on  to  Gersdorf ,  but  to  follow  at  some  distance 
the  procession  which  accompanied  the  captive  into  the 
city.  Full  of  sadness  and  anxiety,  he  rode  slowly  after  his 
brother. 

"0  Albrecht,  Albrecht ! "  he  groaned;  "thou  de- 
siredst  to  rule  everywhere,  and  a  prison  cell  is  the  end. 
And  what  will  come  of  it?  All  for  the  sake  of  the 
maiden  captured  on  this  very  spot !  Oh !  that  we  had 
never  seen  her  !  " 

He  resolved  to  find  his  three  other  brothers,  of  whom  he 
had  seen  and  heard  nothing  since  morning  ;  and  putting 
his  tired  horse  into  a  trot,  he  rode  around  the  city.  At 
last  he  descried  them  with  Bock,  approaching  from  the 
Weinberg,  and  attended  by  a  small  troop  of  soldiers, 
bearing  with  them  a  wounded  man.  No,  alas !  it  was  a 
dead  body,  Siegfried's.  And  when  he  rode  up  and  recog- 
nized the  too  well  known  features,  he  found  himself  im- 
mediately obliged  to  tell  his  brothers  the  woful  news,  that 
Albrecht  was  a  prisoner. 

Their  cup  was  now  full.  They  rode  on  almost  broken- 
hearted, with  Siegfried's  remains,  to  the  Wiperti  mon- 
astery, no  one  molesting  the  gloomy  procession.  They 
laid  the  body  upon  a  bier  before  the  altar  in  the  monastery 
church,  first  removing  the  armor  to  discover  Siegfried's 
wound,  when  they  found  on  his  breast  a  withered  wreath 
of  oak-leaves  and  ivy,  fastened  with  an  embroidered  band. 


THE  ROBBER  COUXT.  261 

The  brothers  recognized  it,  and  reverently  left  it  untouched. 
A  soldier  and  a  monk  watched  the  dead,  and  a  messenger 
was  sent  to  the  Michaelstein  monastery  to  prepare  the 
tomb. 

In  Quedlinburg  the  townsfolk  flocked  into  the  streets, 
upon  the  towers,  anS  to  the  open  windows,  to  see  the  cap- 
tured count  pass  by.  The  cortege  was  long.  First  came 
the  captain  of  the  city  forces.  Then  a  body  of  foot- 
soldiers,  bearing  spears  and  the  city  banner.  Behind 
them  was  the  prisoner  surrounded  by  those  who  had  cap- 
tured him,  and  these,  succeeded  by  the  bishop's  horsemen, 
who  had  pursued  him  through  the  pass,  from  beside  his 
brother's  body,  and  finally  followed  the  rest  of  the  men- 
at-arms  of  both  cities.  With  a  face  like  an  iron  mask, 
Count  Albrecht  strode  on,  not  lifting  his  eyes  from  the 
ground.  A  few  of  the  spectators  observed  a  respectful 
silence,  but  most  of  them  greeted  him  with  loud  mur- 
murs and  execrations.  In  the  market-place  the  multitude 
heaved  to  an  1  fro  like  waves  of  the  sen.  Upon  the  broad 
Town  House  steps  the  burgomasters  and  council  were 
assembled.  Their  dark  looks  boded  no  good  to  the  count, 
as  he  passed  on  without  looking  up.  No  word  .was 
spoken  ;  the  narrow  chamber  was  ready  for  its  occupant, 
and  he  allowed  himself  to  be  led  into  it  without  resistance  ; 
the  massive  door  clanged  behind  him,  locks  and  bolts  were 
fastened,  and  he  was  alone. 

Darkness  fell  upon  this  ill-starred  day.  In  the  prior's 
cell  at  St.  Wiperti's  the  three  brothers  sat  with  Bock,  in 
earnest  consultation.  They  decided  to  remain  where  they 
were  over  night,  and  in  the  morning  Bernhaid  would  begin 
his  efforts  to  negotiate  with  the  council  for  Albrecht's 
release,  and  beg  the  intercession  of  the  abbess.  Bock 
declared  that  he  would  not  leave  the  monastery  while  his 
master  was  a  prisoner. 


262  THE  ROBBER   COUNT. 

Later,  an  emissary  of  the  council  arrived,  and  desired 
to  speak  with  Bernhard,  whose  presence  in  the  monastery 
had  become  known.  The  messenger  declared  that  the 
burgomaster  and  council  required  the  cessation  of  further 
hostilities  on  the  part  of  the  Regensteins  and  their  allies. 
At  the  first  attack  upon  the  city,  or  \my  attempt  to  free 
the  prisoner  by  force,  Count  Albrecht's  head  would  fall 
by  the  hand  of  the  executioner. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  263 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

In  the  evening,  soon  after  Count  Albrecht's  entry  into 
the  city,  Master  Willekin  von  Herrkestorf  arrived  at  the 
convent,  and  acquainted  the  abbess  with  the  wonderful 
news.  She  and  her  ladies  had  watched  the  course  of 
events  all  day  from  the  castle,  and  had  seen  that  the 
Regensteins  were  worsted,  but  had  regarded  the  defeat  as 
one  of  the  accidents  of  war,  which  brings  victory  to-da}T 
and  reverse  to-morrow.  Now,  at  the  news  of  the  chan- 
cellor, which  he  was  obliged  to  repeat  twice  before  she 
would  believe  it,  the  abbess's  anger  was  boundless  at  the 
unheard-of  audacity  of  the  Quedlinburgers  in  c  pturing 
their  feudal  lord.  She  demanded  his  release,  and  wished 
to  send  the  chancellor  at  once  with  this  message.  Master 
Willekin  with  difficulty  suppressed  a  sardonic  smile,  as  he 
answered  that  the  honorable  council  would  hardly  hasten 
to  grant  such  a  request. 

"  At  least,  let  them  give  him  a  suitable  prison,"  she 
urged.  "  Let  him  be  sent  to  my  castle,  requiring  him  to 
pledge  his  word  that  he  will  not  leave  it  till  he  hath  paid 
his  ransom." 

The  chancellor  could  give  her  little  hope,  intimating  that 
it  was  doubtful  if  the  count  would  be  released  by  the  pay- 
ment of  ransom. 

"What  meanest  thou?"  asked  the  abbess.  "They 
would  not  trample  upon  the  laws  of  honorable  warfare  !  " 

"  They  talk  of  a  tribunal  beneath  the  linden-tree," 
answered  Master  Willekin. 

"What,  Master  Chancellor!  The  city  presumeth  to 
talk  of  holding  a  court  beneath  the  linden-tree  !     I  will 


264  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

appeal  to  the  Emperor !  But  thou  dost  not  represent  the 
city.  Let  the  burgomaster  and  council  come  to  me  them- 
selves.   We  shall  know  how  to  make  terms  with  them  !  " 

Thereupon  the  angry  princess  dismissed  her  chancellor. 

Only  the  older  and  sober-minded  citizens  spoke  of  a 
court  of  justice  ;  the  others,  including  the  mass  of  the 
common  people,  desired  that  the  count  might  be  put  to 
death  without  more  ado. 

The  council  held  a  session  in  the  evening,  principally  to 
consider  how  to  secure  his  safe-keeping,  and  resolved  to 
have  a  dungeon  built  for  this  purpose,  to  preclude  the 
possibility  of  escape,  as  some  said,  and  others,  to  prevent 
the  people  from  breaking  into  his  prison  and  slaying  him. 
The  honor  of  constructing  it  fell  to  the  master  of  the 
carpenters'  guild. 

In  the  city  the  rejoicing  still  continued.  Crowds  lin- 
gered in  the  streets  and  market-place,  and  discussed  the 
wonderful  event,  and  feasting  and  drinking  lasted  far  into 
the  night. 

In  the  convent  chapter  there  was  a  divided  feeling. 
The  superior,  Countess  Kunigunde,  and  the  deaconess, 
Gertrude  von  Meinersen,  had  often  been  the  objects  of 
his  jests,  and  had  suffered  many  slights  on  his  account 
from  the  abbess.  They  therefore  rejoiced  in  Albrecht's 
downfall,  and,  to  vex  Jutta,  made  no  secret  of  their  sat- 
isfaction. The  others  expressed  deep  and  sincere  pity  for 
his  fate.  But  their  sorrow  was  as  nothing  compared  with 
Oda's,  although  she  was  more  skilful  in  hiding  her  feeling's 
than  the  abbess,  whose  indignation  at  the  Qnedlinburgers 
was  even  greater  than  her  grief.  While  comforting  her- 
self with  the  hope  that  Albrecht's  life  was  in  no  danger, 
Oda  was  well-nigh  broken-hearted  when  she  thought  of 
the  great  man  laid  low,  and  at  the  mercy  of  his  enemies. 
She  controlled  herself  before  the  others,  especially  before 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  265 


the  abbess,  determined  not  to  betray  her  love  for  the 
count,  as  she  had  done  so  sadly  to  Siegfried  on  the  morn- 
ing after  Albrecht's  descent  from  the  castle. 

Early  the  next  day,  Count  Bernhard  came  to  the  abbess, 
and  found  her  sitting  with  Countess  Adelheid  and  Oda. 
He  related  all  that  had  happened,  and  offered  his  services 
on  behalf  of  the  convent,  in  his  brother's  stead.  Jutta 
thanked  him,  but  Bernhard  saw  that  she  regarded  Al- 
brecht's imprisonment  as  promising  to  be  of  short  dura- 
tion. But  he  soon  dispelled  this  error.  Already,  early 
in  the  morning,  he  had  sent  to  the  burgomaster,  begging 
for  a  safe-conduct  and  an  interview  with  him,  and  asking 
permission  to  see  his  brother.  These  requests  were  re- 
fused, and  it  was  declared  that  no  negotiations  could  be 
considered,  the  council  not  having  decided  upon  its  action 
toward  the  prisoner. 

"  Albrecht's  fate  is  trembling  in  the  balance,"  concluded 
Bernhard,  "  and  I  come  to  thee,  my  lady,  to  ask  earnestly 
for  thy  immediate  mediation  and  assistance." 

u  I  will  do  everything  in  my  power,  Sir  Count !  "  ex- 
claimed the  abbess,  in  consternation  at  the  distressing 
tidings.  "  But  where  are  thine  allies?  If  thou  shouldst 
again  summon  thy  forces,  and  with  the  counts  of  Mans- 
feld,  Stolberg,  and  Hohnstein  —  " 

44  The  fighting  is  over,"  he  interposed.  "I  have  told 
our  friends  that  they  may  withdraw,  for  we  are  threatened 
that  upon  the  first  renewal  of  hostilities,  my  brother's 
head  shall  be  exposed  upon  the  walls  of  the  town." 

The  ladies  turned  pale,  and  Oda  barely  escaped 
swooning. 

"  Let  me  first  treat  with  the  burgomaster  and  council," 
said  the  abbess.  "  They'cannot  refuse  me  an  interview. 
Then  shalt  thou  hear  from  me,  Sir  Count.  Are  thy  three 
brothers  uninjured  ?  " 


266  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

"  My  three  brothers?"  repeated  Beruhard,  astonished. 
"  Hast  thou  not  heard,  my  lady  — " 

"What,  prithee?" 

"That  only  two  of  them  are  living;  my  brother  Sieg- 
fried hath  fallen." 

He  spoke  bitterl}7,  and  threw,  perhaps  unwittingly,  a 
lowering  glance  upon  Oda. 

At  this  moment  Siegfried's  parting  words  came  back  to 
her  like  a  flash,  "  We  shall  never  see  each  other  again  in 
this  world."  Did  he  have  a  foreboding  of  his  death,  or 
had  he,  in  sooth,  sought  it?  It  was  an  unbearable  thought. 
Oda  was  so  agitated  that  she  lost  all  self-control,  and 
covering  her  face,  burst  into  tears. 

The  others  also  were  deeply  moved,  and  looked  at  Oda 
with  hearty  sympathy. 

"  Siegfried  dead !  "  Jutta  said,  softly  ;  '*  cut  down  in 
the  flower  of  his  youth  !     How  happened  it?  " 

"  Albrecht  sent  him  against  a  troop  of  horsemen  in  the 
Weinberg  pass,"  answered  Bernhard ;  "ordering  him  to 
hold  it  without  fail,  and  on  no  account  to  let  a  foeman 
fight  his  way  through.  Siegfried  obeyed  the  command  to 
the  letter,  but  it  was  a  desperate  undertaking." 

"How  could  Count  Albrecht  despatch  his  brother  on 
such  an  enterprise  ?  " 

"  I  was  not  present  at  the  time,"  replied  Bernhard. 

Jutta  looked  searchingly  at  Count  Bernhard,  and  then, 
as  if  by  a  rapid  association  of  ideas,  she  glanced  at  Oda. 

"  When  will  ye  lay  him  to  rest?  "  she  asked. 

"The  funeral  will  take  place  at  noon,  the  day  after 
to-morrow,  at  the  Michaelstein  monastery,"  answered 
Bernhard. 

"We  will  be  present  —  we  three,"  said  the  abbess; 
"shall  we  not?" 

"  Certainly,"  replied  Adelheid, 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  267 

Oda  bowed  her  head  silently. 

Bernhard  then  bade  the  ladies  farewell.  And  the 
abbess,  turning  to  Adelheid  and  Oda,  said,  "  I  must 
pray  yon  to  leave  me  now,  for  I  must  consider  carefully 
what  I  shall  say  to  the  council." 

Accordingly  they  took  their  leave,  and  Jutta  was  left 
alone  with  her  thoughts.  Bernhard's  story  of  Siegfried's 
de  Hi  had  made  an  impression  upon  her,  from  which  she 
could  not  free  herself.  A  terrible  suspicion  possessed 
her,  and  she  tried  in  vain  to  thrust  it  aside.  However 
submissively  she  might  bow  to  the  decree  of  Providence, 
however  she  might  appreciate  the  uncertainty  of  war, 
which  brings  to  naught  the  best-laid  plans,  the  stubborn 
fact  remained,  that  by  Siegfried's  death  Oda  had  become 
free.  And  could  it  be  that  in  order  to  possess  her  him- 
self, Albrecht  had —  Nay,  nay  ;  away  with  the  fright- 
ful thought ! 

But  if  a  mutual  affection  really  existed  between  Albrecht 
and  Oda,  as  she  had  formerly  suspected,  what  was  to 
hinder  them  from  taking  advantage  of  a  decree  of  Provi- 
dence to  join  hands  in  wedlock  ?  And  should  she  release 
Albrecht  from  prison,  would  she  be  doing  so  for  herself 
or  for  Oda?  He  was  bound  to  her  by  no  vows  ;  she  knew 
not  if  he  loved  her  enough  to  marry  her,  had  Oda  never 
come  between  them.  Nor  did  she  know  if  the  latter  loved 
Albrecht,  or  would  wed  the  eldest  brother,  now  that  the 
youngest  had  gone.  She  resolved  to  sound  Oda's  heart, 
and  devised  a  plan  for  doing  so  which  was  not  devoid  of 
harshness,  but  by  which  she  thought  she  might  attain 
her  end. 

She  determined  to  leave  no  stone  unturned  in  her  efforts 
to  procure  the  count's  freedom,  and  at  the  same  time  to 
let  him  know  that  he  had  her  alone  to  thank  for  his  release, 
should  she  haply  succeed  in  obtaining  it. 


268  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

She  awaited  impatiently  the  visit  of  the  burgomaster, 
whom  she  had  sent  for  through  Master  Willekin  He 
came  the  next  day,  accompanied  by  the  councillor,  Werner 
Scheerenschmid. 

When  asked  by  the  abbess  on  what  conditions  they 
would  free  Count  Albrecht,  the  burgomaster  replied, 
firmly,  ' '  On  no  conditions,  gracious  princess.  The  greater 
part  of  the  townsfolk  and  several  of  the  councillors  demand 
that  Count  Albrecht  von  Regenstein  shall  be  put  to  death, 
and  those  who  would  spare  his  life  insist  upon  the  ne- 
cessity of  keeping  him  a  captive,  that  the  city  may  have 
peace." 

The  abbess  was  deeply  indignant,  but  restraining  her- 
self, said,  "Why  not  release  him,  on  condition  of  his 
taking  a  solemn  oath  to  end  his  feud  with  the  city?" 

Master  Nikolaus  shook  his  head.  "  Such  vows  have 
been  broken  before  now,  my  lady.  If  we  allow  the  count 
to  live,  we  must  keep  him  in  our  hands  as  a  hostage  for 
the  conduct  of  his  brothers  and  allies,  and  his  head  must 
pay  the  forfeit  if  our  peace  is  disturbed." 

"Can  I  not  act  as  mediator  between  ye,  and  bring 
about  some  happy  agreement?"  Jutta  asked,  anxiously. 

"  We  have  already  decided  upon  our  course,"  answered 
the  burgomaster.  "  The  tribunal  of  the  high  tree  will 
find  the  sentence." 

"The  tribunal  of  the  high  tree?"  cried  the  abbess. 
*  •  How  can  ye  speak  of  it  ?  It  is  for  me  to  invoke  it ;  it 
is  my  prerogative." 

"There  was  no  other  way  open  for  us,  gracious  prin- 
cess," said  the  burgomaster.  "  The  city  magistrate  cannot 
execute  justice  upon  the  count." 

M  Justice !  His  is  the  justice,  yours  the  injustice," 
stormed  the  abbess. 

"The  noble  judges  of  the  high-tree  tribunal  will  de- 
cide." 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  269 

"  Then  is  he  already  condemned  !  " 

11  Justice  will  be  done  him,"  said  the  burgomaster.  "We 
have  sent  a  message  to  Duke  Otto,  of  Brunswick,  to  con- 
voke the  court." 

"Ye  have  sent!"  exclaimed  the  abbess.  "Ye  mean 
that  ye  ask  my  permission  to  send  Duke  Otto  the 
message  ! " 

"  We  have  already  sent  it,  my  lady." 

"  Without  consulting  me?  " 

Nikolau s  von  Bekheim  coldly  assented. 

"We  knew  thy  opinion,  without  asking,  gracious  prin- 
cess," answered  Werner  Scheerenschmid. 

"  And  the  Duke  of  Brunswick,  the  brother  of  the  bishop, 
Count  Albretht's  worst  foe,  is  to  pronounce  the  sentence? 
And  that  is  what  ye  call  justice?" 

"  The  people  call  him  '  Otto,  the  Mild,' "  replied  Master 
Nikolaus. 

"I  also  have  a  seat  and  voice  in  the  court  of  nobles, 
Burgomaster.  I  bid  ye  farewell  till  we  meet  under  the 
high  tree."  And  she  turned  away,  more  indignant  than  at 
first. 

Further  words  were  useless  ;  the  court  of  justice  had 
been  summoned,  and  there  was  nothing  to  do  but  await 
the  issue.  The  principal  thing  must  be  to  avert  the  death 
sentence.  As  long  as  Count  Albrecht  should  live,  even 
were  he  in  prison,  his  release  might  be  possible  by  strata- 
gem, bribery,  or  force,  and  Jntta  also  built  hopes  upon  the 
^ckleness  of  the  common  people. 

The  next  day,  at  the  appointed  time,  the  abbess,  with 
Adelheid  and  Oda,  the  chancellor  and  the  scrivener, 
together  with  some  of  the  castle  servitors,  all  on  horse- 
back, halted  in  a  glade  of  the  forest  at  the  foot  of  Regen- 
stein,  where  Siegfrieds  body  had  been  brought.  Jutta 
looked  little   like  a  mourner.     At  intervals  she  directed 


270  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

scrutinizing  glances  at  Oda,  and  was  restless  and  absent, 
and  her  two  companions  judged  from  her  manner  that  she 
had  some  project  in  her  mind.  Soon  the  funeral  proces- 
sion, on  foot,  wound  slowly  down  the  hill,  and  was  joined 
by  the  others,  who  had  now  dismounted. 

Eight  armed  men,  of  those  who  had  fought  at  Siegfried's 
side  in  the  pass,  bore  the  garlanded  coffin,  behind  which 
walked  Bock,  with  two  soldiers,  carrying  helmet,  sword, 
and  shield,  and  after  them  the  armorer  Klinkhard,  leading 
Siegfried's  horse.  Then  came  Bernhard,  with  his  wife, 
Reginhild,  Ulrich,  Poppo,  and  Giinther ;  the  abbess,  and 
her  companions,  Master  Willekin  and  Florencius,  follow- 
ing ;  soldiers  and  serving-men  closed  the  procession. 

So  they  bore  the  body  of  the  young  hero  through  the 
bright  autumn  woods  where  he  had  so  often  hunted,  so 
lately  wandered  by  Oda's  side. 

At  a  bend  of  the  pathway  they  met  the  white-bearded 
abbot  of  Michaelstein,  with  his  monks,  and  now  the  slow 
tolling:  of  the  monastery  bell  broke  the  stillness.  The 
monks  walked  at  the  head  of  the  funeral  train  to  the  open 
tomb  in  the  cloisters.  There  the  coffin  was  set  down,  and 
the  old  abbot  spoke  a  few  touching  and  impressive  words. 
Then  with  litany  and  prayers,  Siegfried's  mortal  remains 
were  laid  beside  those  of  his  fathers. 

The  mourners  had  knelt  in  silent  devotion,  and  the 
abbess,  choosing  the  moment  when  they  rose  from  their 
knees  to  execute  her  plan,  said  to  the  unhappy  Oda,  as 
if  by  a  sudden  inspiration,  in  a  low  but  audible  tone,  — 

"  Countess  Oda,  we  need  no  longer  be  silent  as  to  that  of 
which  we  all  know.  Thy  loss  is  greater  than  ours.  The 
rest  of  us  take  leave  here  of  a  brother  and  friend,  but  thou 
hast  bidden  farewell  to  thy  beloved  one.  At  this  sacred 
time  and  place,  let  the  honored  dead  witness  thy  solemn 
vow  to  consecrate  thy  soul  to  his  memory,  and  never  to 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  271 

give  thy  love  to  another,  now  that  he  hath  departed  whose 
heart  was  thine  !  " 

At  these  designing  words,  Oda  started  as  from  a  lurking 
serpent.  Well  she  understood  Jutta's  object,  and  wished 
that  it  were  now  possible  to  repeat  Siegfried's  farewell 
words  to  her,  but  everything  forbade,  and  pressing  her 
hand  to  her  heart,  she  answered,  trembling,  "  What  I 
have  vowed  to  the  dead,  God  only  knoweth,  or  shall 
know !  " 

But  this  did  not  satisfy  the  abbess,  who  continued, 
strenuously,  "What  is  pleasing  to  God  is  also  pleasing 
to  men.  Why  should  we  not  know  what  thou  hast  vowed, 
we  who  would  help  and  console  thee  ?  " 

In  Oda's  mind  there  was  a  struggle  as  to  whether  she 
should  speak,  or  be  silent. 

Then  mildly  interposed  the  venerable  abbot,  "What 
passeth  between  the  sorrowing  heart  and  its  Creator  is  a 
sacred  mystery  into  which  no  fellow-creature  should  pry. 
The  maiden  is  right.  I  pray  thee,  my  lady,  disturb  not 
the  peace  of  the  dead  ! " 

The  abbess,  angered  that  she  had  failed  in  her  object, 
and  likewise  at  the  abbot's  admonition,  replied,  loftily, 
"It  is  for  the  peace  of  the  dead  that  we  urge  this  vow 
upon  the  maiden,  as  a  fitting  sacrifice  to  him  who  died 
for  her." 

Jutta  had  no  idea  what  meaning  her  words  conveyed  to 
Oda.  She  simply  meant  that  the  feud  which  caused 
Siegfried's  death  was  the  result  of  Oda's  sojourn  at 
Regenstein  ;  but  Oda  understood  her  otherwise.  In  Oda's 
ears  she  plainly  asserted  that  he  had  courted  death  in  the 
despair  of  rejected  love.  She  had  striven  in  her  own 
mind  against  this  interpretation  of  his  last  words  ;  but 
now  that  Jutta  boldly  declared  it  before  so  many  wit- 
nesses, she  doubted  no  longer,  and  felt  that  she  indeed 


272  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

owed  him,  as  atonement,  the  renunciation  of  her  future 
happiness. 

She  tottered  toward  the  open  tomb,  ready  to  utter  the 
fatal  vow,  when  Reginhild,  who  well  knew  that  he  whom 
she  loved  was  not  dead,  but  living,  hastened  to  Oda,  and 
throwing  her  arms  about  her,  cried,  "  Take  no  vow,  Oda, 
I  abjure  thee!  I  know  thy  heart,  and  God  knoweth  it. 
Leave  thyself  in  II is  hands  !  " 

Then  she  led  Oda  unresistingly  from  the  cloister,  not 
noticing  the  look  of  implacable  enmity  which  Jutta  threw 
upon  her  in  passing. 

One,  at  least,  of  the  by-standers  had  been  appalled  when 
he  saw  Oda  about  to  take  the  vow  of  celibacy,  —  Bock 
von  Schlanstedt,  —  for  he  knew  more  than  Reginhild,  but 
Jiis  lips  were  sealed. 


THE  BOB B Eli  COUNT.  273 


CHAPTER   XXVn. 

Weeks  passed  before  the  tribunal  could  assemble. 
Finally  all  the  counts  and  princes  of  the  Hartz  country 
and  the  adjacent  provinces  came  together  and  sat  in  the 
open  air,  in  a  half- circle  on  both  sides  of  the  stone  table 
and  the  chief  judge's  seat,  under  the  great  linden-tree. 
On  the  right  hand  of  the  duke  sat  the  abbess,  and  on  the 
left  his  brother,  the  bishop  of  Halberstadt,  who  now  saw 
his  rival  for  the  first  time  since  the  quarrel  over  Schwane- 
beck  and  Emersleben  and  inwardly  rejoiced  at  his  humilia- 
tion. Albrecht's  brothers  were  also  present,  but  they  were 
allowed  no  more  voice  in  the  trial  than  the  burgomaster 
and  council,  who  appeared  as  complainants.  Outside  the 
bar  were  many  nobles  and  knights,  as  well  as  a  crowd  of 
the  townsfolk. 

Duke  Otto,  of  Brunswick,  exercised  his  office  of  chief 
judge  with  justice  and  impartiality,  uninfluenced  by  his 
brother's  deadly  hatred  of  the  accused. 

Among  the  judges  were  friends  and  foes  of  the  count, 
but  the  nobles  among  the  spectators  took  his  part,  regard- 
ing him  as  the  embodiment  of  knightly  virtues,  and  griev- 
ing the  more  for  his  overthrow,  as  the  burgers  everywhere 
were  born  foes  of  the  nobility. 

Three  conflicting  views  were  brought  forward.  The 
bishop  and  his  allies  would  only  be  satisfied  with  the 
count's  death  The  burgomaster,  in  the  name  of  the  citi- 
zens, declared  their  willingness  to  spare  him  on  condition 
that  they  might  hold  him  a  prisoner  for  life  ;  that  the 
Regenstein  castle,  within  thn  city  boundaries,  should  be 
dismantled,  and  that  twelve  watch-towers  should  be  built 


274  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

upon  its  walls  at  the  count's  cost.  The  abbess  and  his 
friends  demanded  his  immediate  release,  on  payment  of  a 
suitable  ransom ;  and  he  declared  himself  unwilling  to 
accept  other  conditions. 

The  case  was  argued  long  and  earnestly.  But  as  the 
sun  began  to  decline,  and  the  opponents  were  no  nearer 
an  agreement,  the  duke  determined  that  a  detailed  state- 
ment of  the  different  opinions,  and  the  grounds  therefor, 
should  be  engrossed  and  submitted  to  the  Emperor  for  his 
decision. 

Then  the  abbess  rose,  and  said,  with  a  clear  voice, 
"  And  I  offer  to  go  to  the  Emperor  and  obtain  his  judg- 
ment. Grant  me  this  favor,  noble  lords !  The  count  is 
my  protector,  and  it  is  my  dut}7  and  privilege  to  plead  for 
him  ;  and  I  pledge  myself,  upon  my  princely  and  womanly 
honor,  to  speak  the  whole  truth  !  " 

As  she  stood  erect,  beautiful  and  courageous,  looking 
proudly  from  one  to  the  other,  not  one  ventured  to  refuse 
her  petition,  although  many  felt  dissatisfied  that  Count 
Albrecht  should  have  so  powerful  and  seductive  an  advo- 
cate with  the  Emperor.  The  abbess  was  chosen,  however, 
to  represent  the  assembly  at  his  court.  The  sitting  was 
declared  at  an  end,  and  Albrecht  von  Regenstein,  strongly 
guarded,  was  conveyed  back  to  prison. 

This  was  not  the  same  in  which  he  had  been  confined  at 
first.  A  cell  had  been  built  for  him  under  the  roof  of  the 
Town  House,  of  solid  timber,  fastened  together  with  heavy 
iron  bands,  eight  feet  square  and  somewhat  over  six  feet 
high.  It  had  a  barred  loop-hole  and  iron-bound  door,  and 
within  it  were  a  bench  and  iron  chain.  Here,  therefore, 
lay  Count  Albrecht,  the  bravest  knight  of  the  Hartz,  fet- 
tered and  helpless,  a  caged  lion. 

When  he  set  forth  on  his  dismal  way  to  the  trial,  he 
thought  of  the  da}'  when  he  rode  by  the  linden  with  Siegfried, 


THE  ROBBER   COUNT.  275 

and  as  his  faithful  horse  shied,  observed  to  his  brother, 
u  God  forbid  that  a  Regenstein  shall  ever  stand  as  the  ac- 
cused under  this  linden  !  "  It  was  on  the  same  day  that 
he  had  gone  to  the  Town  House,  confronted  the  assembled 
council,  and  striking  the  table  witli  his  mailed  hand,  had 
peremptorily  ordered  the  abrogation  of  the  bishop's  court. 

And  now  —  now  he  himself  had  stood  beneath  the 
linden,  threatened  with  death  or  life  imprisonment,  in  the 
power  of  that  same  council  which  he  had  seen  tremble 
before  him.  Accustomed  to  breathe  the  free  mountain 
air  and  live  in  the  saddle,  he  was  now  confined  in  a  dark 
cage  wherein  he  could  hardly  take  four  steps,  and  where  he 
heard  nothing  but  the  rattling  of  his  chains  as  he  moved. 
His  jailer  answered  no  questions,  no  one  approached  his 
cell,  and  during  the  trial  none  ventured  to  address  him ; 
he  had  nothing  to  console  him  in  his  terrible  loneliness. 

Though  he  clung  to  life  and  the  hope  of  freedom,  yet 
his  home  at  Regenstein  had  become  desolate.  Siegfried 
was  dead.  Oda  gone.  The  former  had  fallen,  it  was 
true,  fighting  bravely,  and  a  better  death  Albrecht  could 
not  wish  for  himself.  But  it  was  Siegfried's  last  words 
which  horrified  Albrecht,  "  Now  am  I  no  longer  in  thy 
way !  " 

If,  perchance,  he  knew  of  Albrecht's  love  for  Oda,  and 
had  died  thinking  that  his  brother  had  sent  him  into  the 
pass  to  get  him  out  of  his  way  !  Albrecht  felt  that  if  it 
were  thus,  nothing  could  ever  make  him  happy  again. 
The  order  which  he  had  given  Siegfried  seemed  to  him  a 
reasonable  one.  Victory  or  defeat  depended  equally  upon 
each  of  the  brothers  ;  each  had  staked  his  life  upon  the 
game,  and  must  go  on  staking  it  continually.  If  fate  had 
so  decreed,  he  might  have  survived  the  day  as  did  Bock, 
who,  nevertheless,  did  not  spare  himself,  or  as  some  of 
his  men  did,  who  fought  in  the  fatal  defile.     At  the  same 


276  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

time,  he  should  not  have  risked  Siegfried's  life,  for  Oda's 
sake,  as  well  as  Siegfried's. 

His  ardent  love  for  the  former  was  now  his  sole  posses- 
sion ;  it  shortened  the  dreary  hours,  and  lighted  up  his  dark 
cell  like  a  ray  of  sunlight.  Oh,  that  he  could  comfort 
her !  That  he  could  only  fly  with  her !  He  would  ask 
nothing  but  to  be  near  her,  to  talk  with  her  as  he  used  oi 
the  lofty  stone  seat  at  Regenstein.  He  would  not  venture 
to  hope  for  her  love  even  we:  c  he  free,  but  he  would  joyfully 
consecrate  his  life  to  her  service  if  he  might  be  allowed  to 
do  so.  But  should  she  turn  from  him  with  aversion,  for 
Siegfried's  sake,  life  would  then  be  worthless. 

At  time?,  Jutta's  stately  figure  would  appear  before 
him,  but  the  vision  inspired  no  other  feeling  than  that  of 
gratitude.  She  had  struggled  for  him  nobly  under  tli  • 
linden,  notwithstanding  the  bishop's  fierce  looks  and  the 
wondering  glances  of  his  associates,  and  plainly  showed 
her  devotion.  She  must  still  hope  to  save  him,  and  with 
sorrow  he  thought  of  it,  still  hope  that  he  would  be  hers. 
He  had  longed  to  call  out  to  her,  "  Spare  thy  words  ; 
though  thou  savest  me,  thou  losest  me." 

Well  he  knew  that  no  armor  was  proof  against  Jutta's 
charms,  and  that  by  such  Ludwig,  the  Bavarian,  was  only 
too  readily  moved  ;  but  could  Albrecht  accept  his  freedom 
from  her  hands,  and  then  requite  her  with  barren  thanks? 

While  he  brooded  thus,  the  abbess  was  already  far  on 
her  journey,  her  first  goal  being  the  castle  of  the  Wart- 
burg.  There  she  would  beg  of  her  former  protectress, 
the  Landgravine  Mathilde,  of  Thuringia,  a  letter  to  her 
father,  the  Emperor,  which  would  insure  a  gracious  recep- 
tion from  him.  She  hoped  much  from  the  chivalrous 
Emperor,  who  had  so  lately  shown  his  magnanimity  to  his 
own  prisoner,  the  friend  of  his  youth,  King  Friedrich  the 
Fair,  of  Austria,  whom  the  fortunes  of  war  had  delivered 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  211 

into  his  hands.  Ludwig  had  released  him  from  imprison- 
ment, received  him  with  open  arms,  and  made  him  co- 
rnier with  himself.  It  was  through  this  generosity  that 
Jutta  trusted  to  obtain  favorable  sentence  for  the  captive. 

At  the  Wartburg,  where  she  was  cordially  welcomed, 
she  learnt  that  the  Emperor  with  his  court  was  at  Lands- 
hut,  in  Bavaria,  and  journeyed  thither  with  a  letter  from 
Mathilde,  after  enjoying  her  hospitality.  Jutta's  suite 
consisted  of  Mistress  Iledwig  von  Hakeborn,  Gerhard  von 
Ditfurt,  a  younger  noble  attached  to  the  castle,  her  wait- 
ing-woman, and  six  mounted  servitors,  —  men  who  led  the 
numerous  pack-horses. 

The  Countess  Adelheid  had  besought  the  abbess  that 
she  might  go  with  her ;  but  as  the  latter,  during  her 
absence,  must  leave  the  convent  under  the  care  of  the 
superior,  Kuniguude,  she  wished  Adelheid  to  play  the  spy, 
and  sanctioned  her  resistance  to  the  exercise  of  any  undue 
authority  on  Kunigunde's  part.  As  Jutta  must  take  one 
member  of  the  chapter  as  maid  of  honor,  she  designedly 
chose  the  pretty,  merry,  and  not  too  scrupulous  Iledwig, 
who  was  perfectly  ready  to  turn  the  heads  of  the  knights 
at  Ludwig's  court,  and  to  help  the  abbess  in  the  removal 
of  any  obstacles. 

Oda's  life  was  rendered  very  uncomfortable  by  reason 
of  Jutta's  jealousy,  which  led  to  a  continued  unremitting 
supervision.  But  after  her  departure,  the  superior,  who 
favored  every  one  whom  Jutta  disliked,  and  was  now  nom- 
inally supreme,  treated  her  with  marked  kindness.  The 
other  inmates  of  the  castle,  including  Adelheid,  were  all 
friendly,  and  showed  great  sympathy  for  the  loss  of  her 
betrothed,  as  they  considered  Siegfried  to  have  been. 

The  conviction  that  he  had  sought  death  for  her  sake 
weighed  heavily  upon  Oda,  and  she  asked  herself  if  she 
had  been  guilty,  in  exciting  hopes  which  she  had  surely 


278  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

destroyed.  But  her  deepest  grief  was  not  for  the  dead 
but  for  the  living  brother,  the  uncertainty  of  whose  fate 
caused  her  the  keenest  anxiety.  She  did  not  dare  to  find 
relief  by  confiding  in  any  of  her  convent  companions  ;  and 
Eilika,  notwithstanding  her  devotion,  was,  after  all,  but  a 
servant,  and  too  talkative  to  be  trusted  with  a  secret; 
yet  the  sharp-eyed  maid  had  divined  it  already,  and  just 
as  she  formerly  did  all  in  her  power  to  promote  Oda's 
union  with  Siegfried,  so  now  she  was  equally  determined 
to  see  her  wedded  to  Count  Albrecht,  expecting  confidently 
his  speedy  release,  and  she  tried  to  impart  something  of 
her  hopefulness  to  her  mistress.  Her  firm  ally  in  this 
new  scheme  was  still  her  devoted  knight. 

Bock  von  Schlanstedt  had  established  himself  at  St. 
Wiperti's  to  be  near  his  imprisoned  master,  and  meantime 
kept  up  constant  communication  with  Eilika.  The  latter 
was  nothing  loath,  for  Florencius  seemed  to  her,  on  nearer 
acquaintance,  to  be  not  so  congenial. 

Bock,  on  the  other  hand,  had  become  friendly  with  him, 
having  a  special  object  in  cultivating  his  acquaintance, 
apart  from  any  personal  liking.  The  jovial  scrivener  was 
a  favorite  in  the  city,  where  he  had  good  friends  among 
the  burghers ;  and  Bock  hoped  through  some  of  them  to 
gain  access  to  his  master,  whom  he  longed  to  spenk  with, 
and  Florencius  had  promised  to  do  all  in  his  power  to 
further  the  knight's  desire. 

When  Eilika  informed  Bock  of  the  discovery  she  had 
made  of  her  mistress's  love  for  Count  Albrecht,  she  told 
him  what  he  already  knew  better  than  she,  but  he  was 
glad  to  have  this  confirmation  of  Siegfried's  last  words. 

Eilika  rejoiced  her  mistress  by  relating  to  her  how  Bock 
hoped,  through  the  mediation  of  the  scrivener,  to  be  able 
to  speak  to  his  master,  and  Oda  was  glad  at  the  prospect 
of  thus  hearing  news  of   the  count,  and  of  his  possible 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  279 

release.  She  gave  her  maid  a  jewelled  trinket,  that 
Florenciua  might  have  the  means  to  bribe  his  guard,  but 
it  was  necessary  to  use  the  greatest  care.  Flore ncius 
needed  time  to  prepare  the  way,  and  when  at  last  he  had 
Worked  successfully  upon  the  guards  and  the  turnkey, 
Jutta  unexpectedly  returned  from  her  journey  to  the 
Emperor's  court. 

She  had  conquered,  and  the  result  of  her  courageous 
pilgrimage  was  the  count's  deliverance. 

After  many  negotiations,  representations,  and  prayers, 
she  had  wrung  from  the  Emperor  the  freedom  of  the  count, 
provided  he  complied  with  the  conditions  named  in  his 
Majesty's  letter  to  the  city  of  Quedliuburg. 

The  conditions  were  these :  Count  Albrecht  was  to 
remain  protector  of  the  convent,  but  he  must  resign  his 
jurisdiction  over  Quedlinburg,  which  was  for  the  future  to 
be  independent.  The  Regcnstein  fortresses  within  its 
boundaries  were  to  be  given  up  to  the  city.  Guntecken- 
burg  was  not  to  be  rebuilt,  nor  any  new  fortress  within  a 
mile  of  the  city  ;  and  finally,  seven  towers  must  be  erected 
on  its  walls,  at  Count  Albrecht's  cost. 

In  the  case  of  his  submission  to  these  conditions,  he 
should  be  set  at  liberty  forthwith,  and  the  Emperor  granted 
the  town,  as  a  special  favor,  the  power  of  trying  its  own 
criminals,  but  such  right  should  in  no  way  interfere  with 
the  tribunal  under  the  linden- tree. 

The  city  agreed  to  free  the  count  on  these  conditions, 
which  Count  Albrecht,  however,  refused. 

The  abbess  was  inexpressibly  chagrined..  For  his  sake 
she  had  undertaken  a  long  and  difficult  journey,  in  bad 
weather,  had  worked  and  striven  for  him,  and  finally 
obtained  conditions  which  did  not  imply  the  surrender  of 
any  part  of  his  earldom,  and  which,  in  comparison  with 
the  loss  of  life  or  liberty,  were  light  indeed.     And  had 


280  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

she  done  all  this  in  vain?  She  had  expected  such  grati- 
tude from  him  as  might  fill  the  measure  of  her  dearest 
hopes,  and  instead  of  this,  his  answer  was  no  more  than 
a  surly  refusal. 

She  sat  down  and  wrote  to  him,  upbraiding  him  with 
his  ingratitude,  and  exhorting  him  urgently  to  alter  his 
decision. 

The  letter  was  delivered  to  him  by  permission  of  the 
council,  whose  wishes  coincided  with  Jutta's,  as  this  treaty 
would  give  the  city  many  long-desired  advantages  in  place 
of  the  doubtful  satisfaction  of  keeping  Count  Albrecht  von 
Regenstein,  as  long  as  he  lived,  within  their  walls. 

But  Jutta's  letter  could  not  bend  the  count's  stubborn 
will.  He  sent  word  to  the  writer  that  he  felt  the  deepest 
gratitude  for  her  exertions  on  his  behalf,  but  at  the  same 
time  he  was  firmly  resolved  to  make  no  concessions,  and 
preferred  rather  to  remain  a  prisoner. 

The  abbess  was  in  despair,  and  was  completely  at  a  loss 
as  to  what  should  be  done  next.  She  meditated  the 
strangest  plans,  and  was  prepared  to  resort  to  any 
extreme  measure  which  might  help  her  in  the  attainment 
of  her  object. 

At  last  the  time  approached  for  Bock's  secret  visit  to 
his  master.  He  desired  to  bring  Count  Albrecht  a  greet- 
ing from  Oda,  and  begged,  through  Eilika,  to  be  allowed 
to  see  her  alone,  to  which  she  gladly  assented.  They  met 
in  the  crypt  of  the  castle  church,  where  the  ladies  of  the 
convent  sometimes  retired  for  silent  devotions,  before  the 
tomb  of  the  first  abbess,  Mathilde. 

"  Salute  the  count  for  me,"  said  Oda,  M  and  say  to  him 
that  I  heartily  beseech  him  to  accept  the  Emperor's  con- 
ditions, and  therewith  purchase  his  freedom." 

u  And  hast  thou  nothing  more  to  tell  him,  my  lady?r 
asked  Bock. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  281 

"  Nay,"  answered  she  ;  u  that  is  enough." 

"  Wilt  thou  not  send  him  a  token  of  remembrance  to 
console  him  in  his  imprisonment?  "  he  urged. 

"  What  shall  I  send  him?  I  have  nothing  here  ;  or  — 
stay  !  This  ring,  it  belonged  to  my  dear  mother ;  take 
this  to  Count  Albrecht." 

She  pulled  off  a  small  gold  ring  from  her  finger,  and 
gave  it  to  the  gratified  Bock. 

He  promised  to  return  the  next  evening,  and  went  upon 
his  errand,  accompanied  by  Florencius. 

The  latter  had  arranged  everything  with  the  greatest 
care.  He  brought  his  companion  successfully  into  the 
city,  concealed  him  till  nightfall  with  a  trusty  acquaint- 
ance, and  then  led  him,  with  the  help  of  the  guards  whom 
he  had  bribed,  through  a  postern  into  the  Town  House,  and 
thence  to  the  count's  cell,  where  he  was  left  alone,  the 
scrivener  retiring  with  the  guards. 

Bock  placed  himself  outside  of  the  barred  opening, 
where  he  could  easily  talk  with  his  master. 

Count  Albrecht,  filled  with  joyful  surprise  at  the  sound 
of  his  vassal's  voice,  received  Oda's  message  and  ring 
with  deep  emotion.  "  She  is  not  angry  ;  she  doth  not  turn 
from  me  with  aversion,"  he  thought,  and  pressed  the  little 
token  more  than  once  to  his  lips. 

"  Dear  maiden,"  said  he  ;  "  she  wisheth  me  to  purchase 
life  and  freedom,  but  she  counteth  not  the  cost.  The 
humiliation  is  too  great,  the  reward  too  small." 

" Sir  Count,"  replied  Bock,  "I  crave  thy  pardon,  but 
that  is  a  foolish  speech.  One  defeat  after  so  m:my  victo- 
ries, what  doth  it  signify?  It  is  not  only  Countess  Oda, 
we  all  pray  thee  to  yield.  Come,  courage !  Lead  us 
again  into  the  field,  and  we  will  follow  thee  anywhere,  and 
"be  quits  with  these  miserable  burghers  !  " 

M  Nay,  Bock;  Fate  hath  crossed  ray  path,  and  I  have 
surrendered  my  sword." 


282  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

1 '  We  will  forge  the  e  a  new  one,  Sir  Count !  "  exclaimed 
the  knight.  "  What  is  to  become  of  thine  earldom,  and 
thy  noble  house?     Regenstein  waiteth  for  its  lord." 

"It  is  lonely  and  desolate,"  answered  the  count. 
"  Upon  its  rocks  the  flowers  have  faded." 

"  Who  knoweth,  Sir  Count?"  cried  Bock  ;  "  mayhap  I 
bring  thee  happiness  which  will  make  life  worth  living 
again." 

Count  Albrecht  said  nothing,  answering  only  with  a 
heavy  sigh,  and  Bock  continued,  "  Sir  Count,  I  have  a 
message  to  thee  from  Count  Siegfried." 

"  From  Siegfried!  Siegfried  died  in  my  arms;  how 
canst  thou  bring  me  a  message  from  him  ?  " 

"  He  gave  it  to  me,  to  give  to  thee  when  he  should  be 
dead,  at  the  time  he  lay  in  the  pass  after  his  fatal  wound," 
replied  Bock.  "I  saw  thee  no  more  that  day,  and  could 
not  deliver  it  until  now." 

"  Ah,  Bock,"  Albrecht  said,  sorrowfully,  "  I  know  only 
too  well  what  it  is.  He  hath  told  thee  I  sent  him  to  his 
death." 

"  Nay,  nay,  my  lord !  Those  were  not  his  words  at 
all.  I  was  to  say  to  thee  that  Countess  Oda  confided  to 
him  that  she  did  not  love  him,  but  thee  !" 

Here  a  chain  clanked  as  if  the  count  made  a  sudden 
movement,  and  he  cried,  "Bock!  Bock!  What  sayest 
thou?     Knowestthou  what  thou  sayest?" 

"Word  for  word,"  protested  the  other.  "  I  promised 
our  Siegfried,  when  he  lay  dying,  to  say  this  to  thee  from 
him,  and  to  no  one  else." 

' '  Bock  !  good  Bock  !  Bethink  thyself  well"  what  thou 
art  saying  to  me,  and  that  my  life  hangeth  upon  thy 
words." 

"  Upon  my  honor,  Sir  Count,  I  have  told  thee  the  exact 
words  Count  Siegfried  spoke  before  his  death." 


THE  BOBBER  COUNT.  283 

"Truly,  Bock?  My  God!  She  loveth  me!  She 
loveth  me  ! "  whispered  Count  Albrecht,  in  great  agitation. 
"  And  I  lie  here  in  disgrace,  fettered  like  a  hound ! 
Open  the  door  !  Let  me  out,  Bock,"  he  cried,  suddenly. 
"  Help  me  !  Hast  thou  no  iron  ?  Strike,  Bock  !  I  must 
break  loose  !  "  Almost  beside  himself,  he  struck  the  walls 
of  his  cell  so  that  the  solid  planks  groaned  and  creaked. 

The  turnkey  rushed  in,  alarmed.  "  Hold  thy  peace,  Sir 
Count,  I  beseech  thee  !  Thou  wilt  waken  all  the  folk  in 
the  city  ;  they  can  hear  thee  in  the  market-place  !  " 

"  Let  them  hear  me  !  "  roared  the  count.  "  Let  them 
come  writh  their  accursed  conditions  !  I  will  do  all  they 
desire,  subscribe  to  everything,  promise  anything,  swear 
anything,  only  I  will  be  free  !  " 

"To-morrow  thou  canst  be  free,  if  thou  choosest!" 
cried  Bock  through  the  barred  loop-hole. 

"  Thinkest  thou  that  they  will  hold  to  their  word,  and 
release  me?  Get  me  my  freedom,  Bock,  and  bring  me  to 
her.  I  want  naught  else  but  freedom,  a  horse  and  sword, 
and  her,  her,  Bock  ! 

"  To-morrow,  Sir  Count ;  to-morrow ! "  said  Bock, 
reassuringly. 

"  When  wilt  thou  see  Countess  Oda?  "  Count  Albrecht 
inquirt  d,  a  little  more  calmly. 

11  To-morrow  evening,  in  the  crypt." 

u  Say  to  her,  Bock,  that  I  accept  the  Emperor's  condi- 
tions, because  she  wisheth,  solely  because  she  wisheth. 
That  is  all,  and  she  must  be  si  ent  and  so  must  thou, 
Bock.  So  soon  as  I  am  at  liberty,  I  must  see  her,  but 
alone,  quite  alone.  Canst  thou  contrive  that?  " 
."Surely,  Count  Albrecht!"  replied  Bock;  "in  the 
crypt.  I  will  see  to  it,  and  Florencius  will  help  us. 
Only  come  to  the  convent  so  soon  as  thou  art  free,  and 
leave  the  rest  to  us." 


284  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

11  Good  ;  to-morrow  morning  I  will  send  to  the  council." 

"  Sir  Count,  Florencius  will  see  Countess  Oda  early  in 
the  morning.  Shall  he  not  take  thy  message  to  her?  He 
is  trustworthy  and  discreet,  and  hath  brought  me  here. 
Without  him,  I  could  not  have  come." 

"  Yea,  Bock !  Let  Florencius  tell  her.  Is  he  at 
hand?" 

Bock  went  and  called  the  scrivener.  "  Thanks,  brave 
friend!"  said  Count  Albrecht.  "Bock  will  give  thee  a 
message  to  Countess  Oda.     I  beg  thee  to  deliver  it." 

"  Thou  may  est  depend  upon  me,  Count  Albrecht," 
answered  Florencius.  u  And  now  we  must  go,  before 
the  watch  is  changed." 

"  Go  !  go  !  We  will  soon  in  >et  again  !  "  exclaimed  the 
count,  and  putting  his  hand  through  the  bars  it  Mas 
heartily  grasped.  Then  the  two  cautiously  departed, 
leaving  a  happy  man  in  the  gloomy  cell. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  285 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

As  the  inmates  of  the  convent  gathered  for  the  morn- 
ing meal,  Oda  was  missing,  and  it  being  her  function  as 
last-comer  to  say  grace,  a  messenger  was  despatched  to 
learn  the  cause  of  her  absence.  On  his  return,  he  in- 
formed the  abbess  that  she  would  join  the  others  directly, 
adding  that  Master  Florencius  was  with  her. 

"  Florencius?  "  said  the  abbess,  in  astonishment. 

"  At  this  hour?"  cried  the  superior. 

"  And  alone?"  added  the  deaconess. 

"  Nay  ;  her  maiden  Eilika  is  with  her,"  the  messenger 
replied. 

Shortly  afterward -Oda  appeared,  excused  herself  for 
the  delay,  took  her  place  at  the  table,  and  repeated  the 
grace.  But  it  was  done  so  hastily  and  so  absent-mindedly 
that  she  drew  upon  herself  looks  of  surprise  and  dis- 
pleasure. 

During  the  meal,  which  the  ladies,  having  unlimited 
leisure,  willingly  prolonged,  Oda  seemed  altogether  unlike 
herself.  Now  she  sat  dreamily  gazing  into  the  dis- 
tance, and  again  would  become  so  animated  that  every 
one  at  the  table  noticed  the  change  which  had  come  over 
her,  and  felt  sure  that  something  extraordinary  had 
occurred.  Could  it  be  that  the  jovial  Florencius  had  tem- 
porarily made  her  forget  the  death  of  Count  Siegfried? 
But  what  had  happened  that  her  cheerfulness  should  be 
manifested  so  suddenly  and  openly? 

The  abbess  thoughtfully  observed  Oda's  altered  manner, 
and  bade  her  friend  Adelheid,  Hedwig  von  Hakeborn,  and 


286  THE  BOBBER  COUNT. 

a  personal  attendant  of  her  own  to  watch  Oda  narrowly, 
and  report  her  movements. 

No  one  suspected  the  true  cause  of  the  Countess  von 
Falkenstein's  joy,  for  none  but  the  four  who  were  ini- 
tiated knew  of  the  resolutions  which  Count  Albrecht  had 
taken  during  the  night. 

He  had  sent  in  the  morning  to  the  burgomaster,  to  beg 
for  a  conference. 

The  burgomaster  came,  and  Count  Albrecht  declared  to 
him  his  willingness  to  purchase  his  freedom  by  accepting 
the  Emperor's  conditions,  if  he  could  be  solemnly  assured 
that  he  would  be  released  from  durance  that  sa~ie  even- 
ing, and  his  liberation  kept  secret  until  the  next  day. 

Master  Nikolaus  von  Bekheim,  believing  he  could 
promise  the  prisoner  that  his  wishes  would  be  acceded  to, 
immediately  called  the  council  together  in  private  session, 
and  meanwhile  prepared  a  deed  of  quitclaim  for  the 
count  to  sign. 

The  council  met,  the  count  being  brought  into  their 
presence,  and  the  discussion  was  temperate  and  dignified. 

As  by  this  act  of  the  count  a  great  revenue  would  come 
to  the  council,  they  treated  their  late  foe  with  marked 
consideration.  He  himself  spoke  not  a  word  more  than 
was  absolutely  necessary.  The  burgomaster  read  aloud 
the  deed  of  quitclaim,  the  count  signed  it  with  a  firm 
hand,  and  swore,  before  God,  to  honorably  and  scrupu- 
lously observe  the  contract.  Thereupon  he  was  declared 
free,  and  assured  that  his  release  should  be  kept  secret 
until  the  following  day. 

He  remained  in  the  burgomaster's  apartment  till  the 
twilight  fell,  and  then  left  the  city  of  which  lie  had  been 
so  long  the  feudal  lord. 

Clad  in  his  coat  of  mail  and  steel  helmet,  and  covered 
with  a  long  mantle,  he  strode  through  the  darkness  up  the 


THE  ROBBER   COUNT.  287 

well-known  way  to  the  Wiperti  cloister.  It  was  the  end 
of  October,  but  the  fresh  wind  and  cold,  drizzling  rain 
were  delightful  to  the  released  prisoner,  who  halted 
repeatedly,  and  expanding  his  chest,  took  many  a  long 
breath. 

The  sacrifice  he  had  made  to  regain  his  freedom  did  not 
weigh  very  heavily  upon  his  mind,  but  the  thought  of  the 
independence  of  the  city  rankled  within  him,  and  his  blood 
boiled  for  the  moment  as  he  passed  the  demolished  Gun- 
teckenburg.  Happily  he  had  not  sworn  to  abstain  from 
vengeance,  and  some  day  he  would  make  Quedlinburg  pay 
the  reckoning,  with  interest. 

However,  for  the  present  he  had  troubles  which  lay 
nearer  his  heart.  It  was  owing  principally  to  Jutta's 
efforts  that  he  owed  his  release,  and  he  well  knew  what 
reward  she  expected.  He  was  deeply  and  sincerely 
pained  that  he  must  disappoint  her  hopes,  and  had  it  not 
been  for  Oda's  desire  and  Oda's  love,  he  would  never  have 
signed  that  compact  with  the  council. 

So  his  liberation  was  due  to  the  two  women  who  dwelt 
yonder  under  the  same  roof,  both  of  whom  loved  him,  and 
of  whom  one  expected  a  high  price  in  exchange  for  his 
freedom,  while  the  other,  in  her  unselfishness,  never 
imagined  for  a  moment  what  happiness  his  release  was 
bringing  her.  And  now  he  was  on  his  way  to  them,  to 
fill  one  heart  with  joy  and  the  other  with  bitterness. 

In  front  of  the  Wiperti  cloister  stood  Bock,  in  the  dark- 
ness and  rain,  awaiting  his  lord,  but  before  he  could  see 
the  count  he  recognized  his  footsteps,  and  hastened  to 
meet  him. 

11 1  am  here,  Bock  !  "  cried  Albrecht,  pressing  his  loyal 
knight's  hand  ;  "  now  lead  me  to  the  countess." 

"  Refresh  thyself,  first,  with  a  brief  rest,  and  a  morsel 
of   food,  Sir  Count,"  answered   Bock.     "  Above  in   the 


288  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

castle  they  are  now  supping,  and  the  gracious  countess 
will  not  be  able  to  absent  herself." 

The  count  was  obliged  to  submit,  and  after  partaking 
of  refreshment  with  the  prior,  he  and  Bock  mounted  the 
heights,  upon  which  stood  the  castle.  He  passed  through 
the  courtyard  and  Jutta's  newly  built  portal,  and  entered 
the  crypt,  where  a  lamp  perpetually  burned  before  the 
tomb  of  the  first  abbess.  Here  he  waited  for  his  beloved, 
in  the  vast,  dimly  lighted  vault,  his  eyes  fixed  upon  the 
door.  Bock  had  gone  into  the  castle  to  inform  Florencius 
and  Eilika  of  his  arrival. 

Oda  soon  appeared  with  the  former,  who  quickly  retired, 
closing  the  door  behind  him  ;  Bock  and  Eilika  keeping 
watch  before  the  portal  meanwhile. 

Count  Albrecht  approached  the  trembling  maiden  and 
clasped  her  in  his  arms,  while  she  hid  her  head  upon  his 
breast,  and  wept. 

"  Oda,  Oda!"  he  whispered,  softly;  "  art  thou  now 
mine?" 

At  the  sound  of  his  voice  she  started  in  affright,  and 
tried  to  release  herself.  But  he  held  her,  and  said, 
"  Knowest  thou  not,  Oda,  that  I  have  long  loved  thee 
with  my  whole  soul?  That  it  is  only  for  thy  sake  that  I 
have  left  my  prison  ?  " 

She  looked  at  him  like  one  aroused  from  a  deep  slumber, 
who  cannot  tell  where  she  is.  Albrecht  love  her  !  Had 
long  loved  her  !  Surely,  she  was  dreaming.  She  smiled, 
but  her  blue  eyes  seemed  to  say,  "  Ah,  wake  me  not  yet ! 
It  is  so  sweet  to  dream."  When,  however,  his  glance 
met  hers,  and  she  felt  herself  pressed  closely  in  his  arms, 
she  gradually  became  conscious  of  the  realhy  of  her  happi- 
ness. Her  breast  heaved,  her  thoughts  were  still  in  con- 
fusion. At  last  she  threw  her  arms  about  Albrecht's 
neck,  and  it  seemed  as  if  her  heart  must  break  for  joy. 


THE  MOB  HER  COUNT.  289 

"  Oda,  didst  thou  know  that  I  loved  thee?"  he  asked. 

"  Nay  ;  but  I  prayed  for  it  as  for  my  soul's  salvation." 

44  And  lovest  thou  me?  Lovest  thou  me  truly?"  he 
asked  again,  that  he  might  hear  her  repeat  what  he  would 
gladly  listen  to  forever. 

"  Ah,  beyond  everything  !  "  she  cried.  "  Since  T  first 
saw  thee,  Albrecht,  thou  hast  been  my  pole-star,  my  soul's 
shrine  ! " 

"  Then  nothing  shall  ever  separate  us  again,"  he  said  ; 
44  we  are  united  for  eternity." 

She  shuddered,  and  answered,  in  a  low  tone,  "  Sieg- 
fried standeth  between  us.  He  sought  his  death  on  my 
account." 

Albrecht  started.     "  Who  said  so,  Oda? " 

"  I  knew  it  when  he  bade  me  farewell,"  she  replied, 
sadly.  "  He  said,  '  I  have  now  only  one  wish,  —  to  make 
Albrecht  happy.  This  is  a  farewell  forever.'  Those  were 
his  own  very  words,"  Oda  asserted. 

44  Siegfried  died  in  my  arms  ;  and  his  last  words  were, 
'I  am  no  longer  in  thy  way.'"  This  utterance  came 
meditatively  from  Albrecht's  lips. 

44  He  is  yet  in  our  way,  Albrecht.  Ought  we  to  enjoy 
a  happiness  for  which  Siegfried  gave  his  life?" 

Albrecht  mused  mournfully.  As  he  now  held  his  be- 
loved in  his  arms,  so  had  he  held  his  dying  brother.  Yet, 
had  not  Siegfried  sacrificed  himself,  that  he  and  Oda 
might  be  happy  ;  had  Siegfried  not  himself  sent  the  mes- 
sage, telling  him  of  Oda's  love? 

"Oda!"  he  said,  at  last,  UI  will  confess  now  that  it 
was  from  Siegfried  himself  that  I  learnt  of  thy  love." 

She  looked  at  him,  shocked. 

44  He  spoke  not  of  it  to  me,"  continued  Albrecht,  "  but 
as  he  lay  dying,  he  intrusted  Bock  with  a  message,  which 
the  knight  gave  me  only  yesterday.     Thy  love  is  a  legacy 


290  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

to  me  from  the  dead.  Over  Siegfried's  grave  will  we  join 
hands,  and  his  spirit  shall  give  us  a  benediction." 

"  Rut,  Albrocht,  what  if  it  should  be  a  curse?" 

"We  need  not  fear  my  dear  brother's  spirit,  Oda,  for 
we  are  not  guilty  of  his  death.  He  wished  us  to  be 
happy." 

"  So  let  it  be,  then,  in  God's  name,  my  beloved,"  she 
answered,  and  pressed  upon  his  lips  her  first  kiss. 

After  the  evening  meal,  the  abbess  sat  alone  in  her 
room.  Upon  the  table  before  her  lay  an  open  book,  and 
resting  her  head  on  her  hand,  she  idly  turned  over  the  illu- 
minated pages. 

Knocking  hastily,  her  waiting- woman  entered.  "  Gra- 
cious lady,  the  Countess  Oda  has  just  gone  into  the  crypt 
with  Master  Florencius  " 

The  abbess  looked  up  as  though  roused  from  a  dream. 

"What  sayest  thou?  Countess  Oda  with  Master  Flo- 
rencius in  the  cr}rpt?     Art  thou  not  mistaken?" 

"  Nay,  my  lady;  I  saw  them  both  pass  through  the 
portal,  with  my  own  eyes." 

The  abbess  arose.  "Go,"  she  added,  after  a  short 
pause,  "  and  summon  the  ladies  of  the  chapter.  Request 
them  to  come  to  me  immediately  ;  let  each  bring  a  long 
taper.     Thou  needst  s-iy  nothing  further." 

The  waiting- woman  hastened  away  to  do  her  errand. 

"  Now,  we  will  unmask  the  hypocrite  !  "  exclaimed  the 
abbess,  when  she  was  alone.  "Thou  wouldst  become 
Countess  von  Regenstein,  and  makest  secret  appointments 
with  a  convent  scrivener.  This  is  the  cause  of  thy  gayety 
to-day.  Oh !  if  Count  Albrecht  knew  how  his  lily  was 
lowering  herself ! "  and  she  maliciously  dwelt  upon  the 
manner  in  which  she  would  brand  Oda  before  the  eyes  of 
her  convent  companions. 

The  latter  were  accustomed  to  the  abbess's  caprices,  and 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  291 

appeared  soon  in  her  room,  each  bearing  a  taper,  not  a 
little  curious  at  this  unusual  summons. 

"Dear  sisters,"  began  the  abbess,  "  we  vowed,  when 
journeying  far  from  home,  that  if  we  returned  in  safety, 
we  would  offer  our  silent  thanksgivings  before  the  tomb  of 
the  blessed  Mathilde.  Come  ye  now,  and  help  me  fulfil 
the  vow." 

11  Countess  Oda  is  not  here,"  said  Hedwig.  "  Shall  I 
call  her?" 

"Nay,"  replied  Jutta,  quickly;  "we  will  go  without 
her." 

Many  of  the  ladies,  who  knew  how  the  abbess  disliked 
Oda,  now  felt  sure  that  something  was  wrong,  but  it  was 
only  Countess  Adelheid  who  said,  softly,  — 

"  What  design  hast  thou,  Jutta?" 

"  Be  still,  Adelheid  !  "  the  abbess  whispered. 

The  tapers  were  lighted,  and  the  ladies  ranged  them- 
selves in  procession,  the  abbess  at  their  head.  They  were 
not  obliged  to  go  by  the  way  of  the  court-yard,  but  could 
pass  directly  from  the  castle  into  the  church,  through  the 
nave  of  which  they  slowly  wended,  in  silence,  toward  the 
crypt. 

As  the  abbess  softly  opened  the  door,  she  saw  with 
malignant  satisfaction  two  figures  in  the  obscurity  ;  but  as 
Oda  stood  between  herself  and  Count  Albrecht,  Jutta  yet 
expected  to  surprise  her  in  the  arms  of  Florencius,  and 
hastened  forward  to  seize  her  prey. 

Startled  by  the  sound,  Oda  turned,  and  before  the 
abbess's  bewildered  gaze  stood  Count  Albrecht,  free  and 
erect. 

His  armor  gleamed  in  the  candle-light,  and  his  eyes 
sternly  met  Jutta's  ;  with  one  arm  he  held  Oda,  who  made 
a  movement  to  flee,  and  then  crept  nearer  to  him. 

The  abbess  was  speechless,  and  stood  with  wide-open 


292  THE  BOBBER  COUNT. 

eyes,  as  if  turned  to  stone.  Her  ladies  pressed  after  her, 
and  surrounded  her  in  a  half-circle,  while  the  candles 
shook  in  their  trembling  fingers.  Not  a  word  was  said ; 
the  silence  was  oppressive. 

At  length,  Count  Albrecht  spoke  in  a  deep,  earnest 
voice,  "  Thou  hast  forestalled  me,  my  lady  !  Not  thus 
did  I  intend  thee  to  learn  of  my  freedom.  My  next  step 
would  have  been  to  bring  thee  my  heartiest  thanks,  but  I 
needs  must  first  see  her  who  now  standeth  beside  me  as 
my  betrothed  ! " 

The  abbess  slowly  shook  her  head.  Then  she  said 
hoarsely,  "And  thou  hast  sought  and  found  her  here 
secretly,  in  the  darkness  of  the  crypt.  Sir  Count,  I  wish 
thee  joy — of  thy  bride!  Wilt  thou  take  her  away  with 
thee?" 

"  To-morrow  morning,"  he  replied,  "  when  I  hope  —  " 

u  Spare  thy  words  !  I  will  hear  no  more,"  she  broke  in  ; 
and  said  to  her  ladies,  "  Come  with  me  !  We  will  choose 
another  time  for  thanksgiving."  Then  she  turned,  and 
followed  by  her  companions,  passed  out  the  same  way  she 
had  come. 

"Albrecht,  there  goeth  our  relentless  enemy,"  whispered 
Oda,  as  the  door  closed  upon  the  last  candle-bearer,  and 
the  crypt  was  left  in  the  dim  light  of  its  ever-burning 
lamp. 

' '  Hast  thou  a  bolt  on  thy  chamber  door  ?  "  asked  Al- 
brecht. 

"Yea,"  answered  she. 

"  Fa  ten  it,  before  thou  sleepest,"  said  the  count,  "  and 
eat  nothing  in  the  castle  but  that  thou  receivest  from 
Eilika.  Hold  thyself  in  readiness  to-morrow  morning  ;  I 
will  come  early  to  fetch  thee." 

"  Whither,  Albrecht?"  asked  Oda,  softly. 

"  Whither,  my  love?"  he  repeated,  with  a  smile.     "  To 


THE  ROB  BE  11   COUNT.  293 

Regenstein,  to  our  castle  !  In  two  days  thou  shalt  be  my 
wife  ;  the  good  abbot  of  Michaelstein  shall  unite  us  !  " 

Oda  laid  her  head  upon  her  lover's  breast,  while  he 
kissed  her,  and  said,  "  Sleep  sweetly,  Oda.  This  shall  be 
our  last  parting."  Then,  going  to  the  door,  he  called 
Florencius,  Bock,  and  Eilika  "Countess  Oda  von  Fal- 
kenstein  is  my  betrothed,"  he  announced  to  the  three. 
"  To-morrow  we  will  ride  home,  Bock  !  Send  the  tidings 
to  my  brothers.  In  two  days  the  wedding  is  to  take 
place  at  Regenstein." 

Bock  kneeled  before  his  young  mistress,  Eilika  gladly 
kissed  her  hand,  and  Florencius  wished  her  and  Count 
Albrecht  all  happiness. 

Oda  then  betook  herself  to  the  castle  with  Eilika  and 
the  scrivener,  the  Count  and  Bock  returned  to  the  Wiperti 
monastery. 

In  the  privacy  of  her  chamber,  Oda,  with  a  trembling 
voice,  said  to  her  maid,  '•  Tell  me,  Eilika,  is  it  a  dream, 
or  truth?     Am  I  really  betrothed?" 

44  Dear  mistress,"  laughed  Eilika,  "the  day  after  to- 
morrow thou  shalt  be  Countess  von  Regenstein." 

And  Oda,  in  the  fulness  of  her  heart,  fell  upon  her 
faithful  maid's  neck,  and  tears  filled  her  eyes. 

The  abbess's  condition  was  terrible.  On  her  return 
from  the  crypt,  where  Count  Albrecht,  with  two  words, 
had  slain  her  hopes,  like  a  judge  pronouncing  the  death 
sentence,  she  bore  herself  proudly  erect,  but  once  alone, 
she  broke  down  utterly,  but  with  a  great  effort  finally  re- 
covered comparative  self-command.  She  neither  spoke 
nor  wept,  but  walked  continually  up  and  down  her  room 
till  she  sank  exhausted  upon  a  settle,  and  lay  there,  star- 
ing at  vacancy,  till  late  into  the  night,  when  her  maid, 
after  much  persuasion,  got  her  to  bed.  Her  soul  was  full 
of  hatred  for  Albrecht  and  Oda,  and  she  was  conscious 
of  no  other  feeling  than  a  boundless  desire  for  revenge. 


294  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

The  next  morning,  after  bidding  farewell  to  the  other 
occupants  of  the  castle,  Oda  entered  the  abbess's  pres- 
ence, to  take  leave  of  her  before  departing.  It  was  a 
heavy  task. 

Jutta  received  her  without  rising,  and  said,  "  So  thou 
art  going  back  to  Regenstein,  of  which  thou  seemest  so 
fond,  that  thou  art  determined  to  return  thither,  if  not 
with  one  brother,  then  with  another." 

' ;  I  could  have  returned  with  no  other  than  Count 
Albrecht,"  she  replied. 

"So!     Wert  thou  not  betrothed  to  Count  Siegfried?" 

"  Never,  my  lady  !  "  answered  Oda.     "  It  is  not  true  !  " 

"  But  he  is  dead,  and  cannot  gainsay  thee." 

"  My  lady,  I  speak  the  truth  !  " 

"Count  Albrecht  told  me  he  wished  thee  to  wed  Sieg- 
fried. When  I  was  at  Regenstein  myself,  and  saw  thee 
with  Siegfried,  were  ye  not  betrothed?  " 

"  Nay,  my  lady,"  Oda  said.  "  Count  Albrecht  wished 
it,  so  long  as  his  brother  lived;  and,  indeed,  he  himself 
solicited  my  hand  for  Siegfried,  but  I  could  not  bring 
myself  —  " 

"Because  thou  lovedst  Count  Albrecht?" 

"Yea,"  said  Oda,  blushing. 

"  Lovest  thou  him  still?"  asked  Jutta,  quickly. 

"  Would  I  follow  him  otherwise,  my  lady?  " 

"  And  thou  wouldst  take  the  hand  stained  with  a 
brother's  blood?" 

"  What  sayest  thou  !  "  cried  Oda. 

"I  say,"  declared  the  abbess,  "he  sent  his  brother  to 
his  death,  that  he  might  have  thee  himself." 

"  Countess  Jutta,  what  hath  Albrecht  done  to  thee,  that 
thou  shouldst — " 

She  could  say  no  more,  overcome  with  shame  and  indig- 
nation. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  295 

"  Concern  not  thyself  with  that !  "  said  the  abbess,  ris- 
ing. "He  hath  caused  the  death  of  the  only  man  who 
loved  thee." 

"That  is  a  shameless  falsehood  !  "  exclaimed  Oda,  be- 
side herself. 

A  harsh  laugh  was  the  only  reply. 

Footsteps  were  now  heard,  and  Count  Albrecht  entered 
the  room  directly  behind  the  servant  who  announced  him. 

Oda  flew  toward  him.  "  Albrecht,  she  saith  thou  hast 
as  good  as  slain  thy  brother,"  she  cried,  with  a  burst  of 
tears. 

The  count  stood  between  the  two,  and  scanning  the 
abbess  with  a  searching  glance,  he  said,  quickly,  "  Who 
told  thee  this,  my  lady  ?  " 

"  Thy  brother,  Bernhard,"  she  answered,  boldly. 

"  Bernhard  never  said  so,"  interposed  Oda.  "I  was 
present  when  he  told  us  of  poor  Siegfried's  death." 

But  her  words  fell  like  a  blow  upon  Count  Albrecht. 

11  I  will  ask  Bernhard  if  he  hath  spoken  or  thought  any 
such  thing,"  he  said,  gravely;  "  but  now  I  ask  thee,  my 
lady,  —  and,  I  pray  thee  weigh  thy  answer  well,  —  dost 
thou  believe  this?  " 

"Yea!" 

Albrecht  made  a  hasty  movement  toward  her,  but  Oda 
softly  held  him. 

t;  Then  I  have  naught  further  to  say.  I  cannot  bring 
myself  to  utter  the  thanks  which  are  due  thee."  And 
tinning  away,  as  if  with  abhorrence,  he  said,  "  Come, 
Oda  !  let  us  leave  this  abode  of  evil  spirits."  And  lead- 
ing her  by  the  hand,  straightway  he  strode  from  the 
room. 

Bock,  who  always  knew  what  to  do,  had  provided  a 
horse  for  his  master  at  dawn,  brought  his  own  beast  out 
of  the  monastery,  and  ridden  with  Count  Albrecht  to  the 


296  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

convent,  where,  in  the  court-yard,  Oda's  and  Eilika's  horses 
now  stood  saddled  and  ready. 

When  Albrecht  heard  that  Oda  was  with  the  abbess,  he 
boded  no  good  from  the  interview,  and  had  therefore 
hastened  to  her  aid.  On  returning  with  his  love  to  the 
court-yard,  the  four  mounted,  turned  their  backs  upon 
the  castle,  and  rode  through  the  cool,  misty  valley,  on 
the  way  to  Regenstein. 

Albrecht  and  Ola,  agitated  by  the  painful  scene  through 
which  they  had  just  passed,  rode  in  front,  Bock  and 
Eilika  at  a  little  distance  behind. 

14  Seest  thou,  dear  Mistress  Eilika,"  the  knight  began, 
"  now  we  journey  together  over  the  same  way  that  we 
travelled  half  a  year  ago ;  but  how  changed  is  every- 
thing !  " 

She  nodded  and  said,  "  To-day,  in  sooth,  we  follow  thee 
more  willingly  than  then,  when  thou  didst  capture  us  here, 
with  no  consent  of  ours." 

"  Many  a  good  stroke  of  work  have  I  done  in  my 
time,"  he  went  on,  complacently ;  "  but  methinks  this  is 
the  best  prize  that  I  ever  bore  to  Regenstein.  I  fear 
such  another  will  not  fall  to  my  lot  for  many  a  day !  " 

"  We  will  surely  hope  not,"  laughed  Eilika. 

"Behold  how  wonderfully  all  is  ordered!"  said  Bock. 
u  When  I  took  ye  prisoners,  I  only  hoped  that  we  might 
gain  a  fair  ransom ;  and  now  one  is  to  become  mistress  of 
Regenstein,  and  thou  —  thou  also  hast  now  no  need  to 
become  a  nun." 

' '  Thinkest  thou  so  ?  "  she  asked. 

44  I  have  proved  my  heart  and  thine,  mistress,"  answered 
Bock;  "  and  so  soon  as  I  can  arrange  certain  things,  I 
will  address  a  petition  to  the  count ;  and  if  his  answer  be 
favorable,  so  I  hope  it  will,  I  will  come  to  thee  some  day 
and  ask  thee  to  be  mv  wife." 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  297 

"  Ah  !  Sir  Knight !  "  said  Eilika,  full  of  satisfaction, 
yet  affecting  to  be  much  abashed. 

11  Do  not  answer  me  now,"  said  he.  "  I  will  leave  thee 
time  for  reflection,  and  if  thou  canst  not  make  up  thy 
mind  to  take  me,  it  will  not  yet  be  too  late  to  go  into  the 
cloister." 

Eilika  discreetly  kept  silence,  and  the  knight  pursued 
the  matter  no  further,  but  changed  the  conversation  forth- 
with, and  they  rode  on,  side  by  side. 

The  same  hour  a  messenger  from  the  castle  of  Quedlin- 
burg  was  bearing  a  sealed  letter  to  the  bishop  of  Halber- 
stadt,  containing  only  these  words,  written  in  a  trembling 
hand  :  — 

"  Call  him  to  a  reckoning,  and  revenge  me. 

Jutta." 


298  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 


CHAPTER   XXIX. 

It  was  on  a  lowering  day  of  autumn  that  the  Regen- 
stein  family  sat  together  at  the  marriage  feast  in  their 
lofty  castle.  Canon  Ulrich  had  not  been  able  to  come 
upon  so  short  a  notice,  but  Beruhard  and  Reginhild, 
Poppo,  and  Giinther  were  here,  and  the  venerable  abbot 
of  Michaelstein,  who  had  shared  in  so  many  joys  and 
sorrows  of  the  house  of  Regenstein,  had  blessed  the 
nuptials  of  the  bridal  pair,  and  sat  at  Oda's  right  hand, 
Bock  von  Schlanstedt  being  opposite  him. 

From  time  to  time,  Oda  would  shyly  turn  to  Albrecht 
with  a  look  of  thankfulness,  for,  in  her  humility,  she 
regarded  his  love  as  a  wonderful  and  undeserved  blessing. 
The  others  partook  of  the  happiness  of  both,  and  Regin- 
hild already  felt  a  hearty  friendship  for  the  new  sister, 
and  sought  with  her  usual  gayety  and  wit  to  enliven  the 
little  company,  but  she  hardly  succeeded.  They  all  knew 
the  circumstances  of  Siegfried's  death  and  Albrecht's  fatal 
order,  which  had  led  to  it.  Not  one  could  impute  the 
smallest  blame  to  Albrecht ;  rather,  they  compassionated 
him  for  the  sad  memory  which  he  must  bear  through  life. 
Notwithstanding,  when  they  saw  him  sitting  beside  Oda, 
they  thought  to  themselves  that  he  never  would  have 
been  there  had  Siegfried  lived.  Each  sought  to  banish 
this  thought,  while,  at  the  same  time,  he  read  it  in  the 
faces  of  the  others  ;  and  though  all  strove  to  be  merry, 
the  youngest  brother's  spirit  seemed  to  sit  there  with  them 
at  the  board,  and  compel  recognition. 

Soon  after  the  marriage  feast,  Bernhard  rode  home  with 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  299 

his  wife,  though  Reginhild  gladly  would  have  stayed 
longer.  He  had  forced  himself  to  appear  cheerful,  for 
Albrecht's  sake,  though  far  from  feeling  so.  He  saw  in 
Oda  the  cause  —  though  innocent  —  of  all  the  disputes  and 
fighting  of  the  summer,  beginning  with  the  advent  of  the 
young  countess  and  leading  to  the  siege  of  Regenstein, 
the  quarrel  with  Quedlinburg,  Albrecht's  defeat  and  Sieg- 
fried's death,  and  which  were  not  yet  at  an  end.  For 
Bernhard  knew,  what  Albreeht  was  still  ignorant  of,  that 
the  bishop  of  Halbertstadt  h  d  taken  advantage  of  Al- 
brecht's imprisonment  to  seize  upon  the  earldom  of  Fal- 
kenstein.  A  new  struggle  with  the  bishop  therefore 
threatened,  due  also  to  Oda. 

On  the  day  of  his  return  to  Regenstein,  Albreeht  had 
ridden  directly  to  Bernhard,  who  received  him  joyfully. 
The  latter's  first  words  related  to  Siegfried's  death. 
Bernhard  exonerated  him  from  all  blame,  and  he  and  his 
wife  endeavored  to  banish  any  feeling  of  self-reproach. 
In  their  first  meeting  no  suggestion  of  it  intruded  itself, 
though  the  old  hearty  confidence  was  not  restored. 

Bernhard's  remonstrances,  due  to  Albrecht's  restless 
striving  after  power  and  his  detention  of  Oda,  had  had 
no  other  result  than  to  produce  a  coolness  between  the 
two  brothers.  In  accordance  with  Bernhard's  orders,  their 
allies  had  withdrawn  from  Falkenstein,  and  abandoned  it 
to  the  bishop,  which  the  former  feared  would  enrage 
Albreeht  when  he  should  hear  of  it. 

All  this,  and  the  quarrel  with  the  fiery  abbess,  who 
would  be  sure  to  try  to  revenge  herself,  weighed  heavily 
upon  Bernhard,  and  this  it  was  which  hastened  his  steps 
from  Regenstein  after  the  wedding. 

At  his  departure,  Poppo,  Giinther,  and  Bock  betook 
themselves  to  the  soldiers'  quarters  and  joined  them  there 
in  a  carouse,  Albreeht  and  Oda  remaining  in  the  great  hall 


300  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

with  the  abbot.  They  stood  arm  in  arm  before  the  fire- 
place, watching  its  flickering  flame. 

Then  the  good  old  man,  approaching  them  with  affec- 
tionate regards,  began  in  a  mild  tone,  "Hearken,  my 
children  ;  I  have  waited  till  we  should  be  alone,  to  speak  a 
few  words  to  you  both.  My  hair  was  already  gray  when  I 
brought  thee,  Albrecht,  a  helpless  babe,  to  the  font  at 
thy  christening.  Thy  whole  life  lies  open  before  me.  I 
know  thee  better  than  thou  dost  know  thyself ;  and  thy 
maidenly  spirit,  Countess  Oda,  is  no  closed  book  to  the 
octogenarian.  But  as  ye  both  knelt  to-day  at  Siegfried's 
tomb,  the  good  God  permitted  me  to  look  into  your  hearts 
as  I  have  never  looked  before.  I  saw  pain  and  sorrow 
therein,  as  well  as  anxious  fear,  lest  God  should  not  bless 
this  union,  owing  to  him  for  whose  rest  ye  prayed.  I 
know  ye  are  both  guiltless,  and  therefore  may  the  Lord 
release  you  from  doubt  and  despondency,  that  in  this 
transitory  world  ye  become  not  faint-hearted,  but  lead  good 
and  happy  lives  here,  with  a  joyful  hope  in  a  blessed 
immortality.  With  this  holy  sign,  I  remove  to-day  and 
forever  what  burdeneth  your  consciences,  and  pray  for  the 
peace  of  the  dead,  the  consolation  of  the  living,  and  an 
everlasting  reunion  in  the  world  to  come.     Amen." 

So  spake  the  venerable  abbot,  making  the  sign  of  the 
cross  over  Albrecht  and  Oda,  who  humbly  bowed  before 
him.  The  former  reverently  pressed  the  old  man's  hand 
to  his  lips ;  then,  with  a  glad  heart,  he  fervently  kissed 
his  beloved  Oda. 

On  the  third  day  after  Jutta  had  sent  her  message  to 
the  bishop  of  Halberstadt,  he  made  his  appearance  at  the 
castle.  The  announcement  of  his  arrival  came  to  her 
like  a  thunder-clap,  to  draw  her  from  the  apathy  into 
which  she  had  fallen. 

"  Bid  him  welcome  !  "  she  cried  to  her  waiting- woman. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  301 

She  had  taken  the  first  step  ;  now  there  was  no  drawing 
back. 

The  bishop  entered,  but  not  a  feature  in  his  impen- 
etrable face  betrayed  his  hopes. 

"  May  the  blessing  of  heaven  be  upon  thee,  noble  lady," 
he  ejaculated,  piously. 

"  Thy  greeting  soundeth  as  'twere  mockery,"  replied 
she,  bitterly. 

'•  One  doth  not  jest  with  a  bruised  or  broken  heart,"  he 
made  answer. 

"  My  heart  is  neither  bruised  nor  broken,  but  full  of 
indignation  and  —  " 

4 '  Determination  to  be  revenged,"  he  interposed.  ' '  That 
I  can  well  believe." 

The  abbess  was  silent,  and  pointed  to  a  chair,  while  she 
seated  herself. 

"  We  go  back  to  just  where  we  were  when  thou  earnest 
to  Halberstadt,"  the  bishop  went  on,  "  but  with  this  great 
difference  :  then  I  offered  to  avenge  thy  wrongs,  and  time 
and  opportunity  were  not  wanting  to  bend  the  count  to 
thy  will.  But  thou  didst  reject  my  proposal,  and  pre- 
feredst  to  warn  and  protect  him.  Verily,  thou  hast  done  it 
to  good  purpose  !  Notwithstanding  which,  I  haVe  over- 
come and  delivered  him,  bound,  into  the  hands  of  his 
enemies." 

11  Thou?"  interrupted  Jutta. 

"  Who  else?"  inquired  the  bishop.  "Who  began  the 
contest  with  him  ?  Who  urged  on  his  foes  in  Blankenburg 
and  Wernigerode?  Who  entered  into  an  alliance  with  the 
towns  against  him,  and  wakened  the  Count  von  Falken- 
stein  out  of  his  sleep,  and  sent  the  Quedlinburgers  a  body 
of  horsemen  at  the  right  time,  —  the  same  who  cnught 
him  in  the  morass?  Whose  counsel  led  to  the  tribunal  of 
nobles,  and  suggested  the  demand  for  the  count's  death? 


302  THE  ROBBER  COUtfT. 

All  this,  my  lady,  have  I  done  !  But  it  pleased  thee  to  be 
his  guardian  angel,  to  use  th}~  eloquence  on  h:s  behalf, 
and  to  go,  for  his  sake,  to  the  Emperor.  Thou  hast  every- 
where crossed  my  path,  and  hast  saved  and  freed  our 
enemy  ;  and  what  thanks  hast  thou  for  it?" 

A  heavy  sigh  escaped  from  Jutta. 

u  If  thou  hadst  only  saved  him  for  thyself!  Why 
didst  not  thou  insert  a  clause  that  he  should  be  free  only 
in  case  thou  becamest  mistress  of  Regenstein?" 

"  Because  I  trusted  him,"  replied  the  abbess,  with  inex- 
pressible bitterness. 

"Because  thou  didst  trust  him,  and  not  me,"  added 
the  bishop.  u  I  pray  thee  now,  hath  he  given  thee  any 
assurance  of  his  love  ?  " 

"  None,"  she  answered. 

u  And  yet  thou  hast  trusted  him,"  said  the  bishop,  sar- 
donically. 

"  He  assured  me  that  he  hoped  Countess  Oda  would 
marry  his  brother." 

"  But  after  he  had  fallen  in  the  fight  —  " 

M  Fallen,  Bishop  Albrecht !  Count  Albrecht  sent  him 
to  his  death." 

"  Canst  thou  prove  it?  "  asked  the  bishop. 

11  From  certain  intimations  of  his  brother  Bernhard —  " 

The  bishop  shook  his  head.  "  A  suspicion;  nothing 
more  !     We  cannot  avail  of  this." 

"  Avail  of  what  thou  canst,  but  he  must  not  enjoy  his 
happiness,"  cried  the  abbess. 

"  He  hath  paid  dear  for  it,  and  it  is  too  late  to  take  it 
from  him.  He  hath  escaped  us,  through  thee,  and  will  not 
let  himself  be  taken  a  second  time." 

"  Paid  dearly  !  His  power  is  undiminished  ;  his  protec- 
torate of  the  city  weakened  rather  than  strengthened  him. 
And  belie  vest  thou  that  he  will  remain  quiet?     Thinkest 


TIIFl  ROBBER  COUNT.  303 

thou  he  will  leave  thee  in  undisturbed  possession  of  Falk- 
enstein?  No  sooner  will  the  spring  come  than  he  will 
appear  likewise.  Doth  he  not  know  whom  he  hath  to 
thank  for  his  downfall?  Thou  hast  summed  up  the  in- 
juries thou  hast  done  him ;  believe  me  he  hath  also 
summed  them  up  !  Nor  will  he  forgive  thee  for  advocat- 
ing the  death  penalty.  He  seeth  in  thee  his  deadly  foe, 
whom  he  will  relentlessly  pursue.  Already  he  hath  forced 
thee  to  flee  from  thy  episcopal  seat,  and  he  would  gladly 
hunt  thee  down  beyond  any  Emperor's  help.  Thy  life  is 
not  save  for  an  hour  !  " 

The  bishop,  leaning  back  in  his  chair,  had  listened 
unmoved  to  this  passionate  appeal.  Now  he  observed, 
with  a  sinister  smile,  "  Thy  words  are  like  music  to  me. 
I  had  never  dreamed  that  Countess  Jutta  von  Kranichfeld 
cared  for  my  poor,  worthless  life.  I  thank  thee,  from  my 
heart,  fair  lady  !  But  how  thinkest  thou  this  danger  is  to 
be  averted  ?  " 

She  arose  quickly,  angered  that  he  chose  not  to  under- 
stand her. 

"If  thou  dost  not  know,"  she  said,  coldly,  "how 
should  I  ?  "  and  she  began  to  walk  up  and  down. 

The  bishop  arose  also,  approached  her  and  said,  "  Speak 
out,  my  lady  !     What  wouldst  thou  of  me  ?  " 

She  met  his  glance,  but  hesitated  a  moment,  then 
answering,  "  Nothing  !  "  she  moved  away  from  him. 

The  bishop  put  his  hand  into  the  pocket  of  his  violet 
robe,  drew  out  a  paper,  unfolded  it  and  read  with  em- 
phasis, "  Call  him  to  a  reckoning,  and  revenge  me!" 
Then  he  looked  at  her  pointedly. 

"  Give  it  to  me  !  "  she  cried  quickly,  stretching  out  her 
hand.  "  Let  me  burn  it !  It  was  a  folly.  All  is  changed 
since  the  summer." 

"In  no  wise,  my  lady  !  "  he  said,  smiling,  putting  back 


304  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

the  paper  into  his  pocket.     "  I  am  wholly  at  thy  service, 
but  I  must  first  hear  thy  commands." 

She  threw  back  her  head,  saying,  "  I  have  no  commands 
for  thee  !  Protect  thyself  as  best  thou  canst ;  no  harm 
will  come  to  me." 

"  Count  Albrecht  hath  something  better  to  do  now  than 
to  think  of  injury  "  ;  and  the  bishop  added,  to  exasperate 
Jutta,  "He  sitteth  now  with  his  young  wife,  kisseth 
her  fair  cheeks,  and  relateth  merry  tales  to  make  her 
laugh  —  " 

"  Drive  me  not  frantic  !  "  cried  the  abbess. 

"  What  wouldst  thou  have  me  do,  then?  "  he  asked. 

"  He  must  not  live  !  "  she  exclaimed,  involuntarily. 

uAh!  Dost  mean  it?"  said  the  bishop.  "Thou 
wishest  his  death  ?  " 

"  Hast  thou  not  wished  it?" 

"Yea,  through  a.  just  sentence  ;  but  now  in  his  own 
castle  and  in  the  arms  of  his  wife  —  " 

"  Darest  thou  not  do  it?  "  she  said,  with  scorn. 

The  bishop  folded  his  arms,  saying,  calmly,  "  What  dost 
thou  bid  me  do  ?  " 

"  Call  him  to  account." 

"  Thou  knowest  the  price  ;  wilt  thou  agree  to  it?  " 

She  struggled  with  herself,  while  her  breast  heaved 
painfully. 

ik  It  is  thy  wish  as  well  as  mine,"  she  stammered,  trem- 
bling. 

Shall  I  have  what  I  ask  ?  "  he  went  on,  resolutely. 
Yea,"  she  gasped,  covering  her  face  with  her  hands, 
and  shuddering. 

He  came  close  to  her.  "  Seven  years  I  have  loved 
thee,  seven  years  hath  my  heart  yearned  for  thee,"  he 
whispered.     "  Now,  at  last !     At  last !  " 

She  drew  back,  exclaiming,  "  Go!  go !  " 


tc 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  305 

"  Countess  Jutta,  when  that  is  done  which  thou  desir- 
est,  where  shall  we  meet  again  ?  " 

"  At  Falkenstein,"  she  whispered,  with  difficulty. 

"  Good  !  I  will  send  thee  an  escort."  And  the  bishop 
of  Halberstadt  left  her. 

The  abbess  gazed  after  him,  fixedly.  "  When  it  is 
done,"  she  murmured. 


30G  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

Winter  approached  in  all  its  might,  heralding  its  com- 
ing with  stormy  winds,  frost,  and  sleet,  and  presently 
subdued  the  whole  land,  holding  it  enchained  in  icy 
fetters.  The  glittering  band  of  snow  which  lay  on  the 
summit  of  the  Brocken  became  broader  and  broader,  till 
it  covered  the  whole  mountain,  and  finally  stretched  out 
far  and  wide  over  the  plain.  Only  Regenstein,  whose 
steep,  rocky  walls  could  not  hold  the  snow,  stood  out 
bald  and  gray,  in  the  midst  of  the  whiteness,  as  if  too 
proud  to  wear  the  tyrant's  colors. 

Within  the  castle,  however,  it  was  very  different. 
There  were  shelter,  and  ease,  and  comfort. 

It  was  a  happy  time  for  Albrecht  and  Oda.  Shut  out 
from  the  world,  with  none  to  intermeddle,  they  lived  for 
each  other  in  a  blissful  solitude,  which  they  enjoyed  to 
the  full. 

When  the  storm-winds  ceased  blustering,  a  peaceful 
stillness  reigned.  Within  the  walls  all  was  quiet ;  only 
in  the  smithy  one  heard  at  times  the  blows  of  the  busy 
hammer. 

Mighty  fires  burned  in  the  chimneys,  and  in  Albrecht's 
well-ordered  room  sat  the  happy  pair,  never  tired  of  relat- 
ing to  one  another  their  early  experiences.  The  rough 
soldier  had  become  a  tender  husband,  eager  to  perform 
household  service  for  his  young  wife,  in  the  performance 
of  which  his  awkwardness  caused  them  many  a  hearty 
laugh.  The  glance  of  his  eye  and  the  sound  of  his  voice 
betokened  perfect  content  and  an  almost  childlike  glad- 
ness ;  he  seemed  to  think  there  was  naught  to  do  but  sit 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  307 

here  in  his  lofty  eyry,  watchiDg  over  unci  caressing  his 
bride. 

As  for  Oda,  she  blossomed  day  by  day,  in  the  warm 
sunshine  of  love  ;  for  the  pale  lily  had  become  a  charming 
woman,  who  filled  her  new  place  with  gentle  dignity, 
never  forgetting,  in  the  midst  of  her  love  and  admiration, 
that  she  owed  her  paradise  to  the  noble  man  who  had  placed 
her  where  she  was.  Her  only  anxiety  was  lest  she  should 
fail  to  satisfy  him  ;  but  Albrecht  would  kiss  her  brow, 
draw  her  to  him,  and  call  her  every  dear  name,  until  her 
heart  was  fain  to  sing  for  joy,  and  he  could  feel  its  happy 
pulsations  as  he  embraced  her. 

Yet,  she  needed  time  to  comprehend  that  she  was 
actually  mistress  here  where  she  had  so  lately  dwelt  in 
mild  captivity,  driven  from  her  own  home,  and  pining  for 
what  seemed  then  an  unattainable  blessing.  Many  a 
time  a  sudden  horror  would  possess  her,  as  she  forgot  for 
the  moment  that  she  was  not  yet  a  prisoner,  detained 
here  against  her  guardian's  will,  and  that  none  had  any 
longer  a  right  to  snatch  her  from  her  Albrecht's  side. 
How  often  she  recalled  her  first  coming  to  the  castle,  and 
standing  in  the  hall  trembling  among  so  many  men,  with 
her  eyes  appealing  to  Reginhild  !  And  again,  her  sor- 
rowful departure,  when  the  counts  rode  against  Quedlin- 
burg.  At  that  time  she  was  well-nigh  convinced  that  she 
should  never  revisit  Regenstein,  and  yet  had  she  become 
its  mistress,  and  every  one,  from  its  lord  down  to  the 
humblest  scullion,  strove  to  do  her  honor  and  service. 
To  celebrate  the  feast  of  yule-tide,  Albrecht's  brothers, 
Ulrich,  Poppo,  and  Giinther,  came  to  Regenstein,  Bock 
von  Schlanstedt  and  the  abbot  of  Michaelstein  making 
part  of  the  company  ;  and  nothing  interfered  with  their 
festivities.  When  Bcrnhard  saw  how  happy  Oda  made 
his  brother,  his  affection  for  her  grew  daily,  and  the  old 


308  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

intimate  relations  between  the  two   brothers  were  again 
fully  restored. 

80  the  eventful  year,  with  its  sorrows  and  its  joys, 
came  to  an  end,  and  left  the  house  of  Regeiistein,  not- 
withstanding its  losses,  powerful  and  vigorous,  and  with 
promise  of  continued  prosperity  for  many  a  day. 

Albrecht  and  Oda  were  soon  left  alone  again,  and 
passed  the  last  hours  of  the  year  beside  their  own  fireside, 
recalling  their  past  joys  and  griefs,  pleasing  themselves 
with  pictures  of  the  happiness  which  the  future  must 
have  in  store  for  them. 

The  soldiers  and  servants  of  the  castle  held  high  revel  in 
their  own  quarters,  Bock  von  Schlanstedt  at  their  head. 
The  garrison  was  smaller  than  usual,  for  many  of  those 
who  had  followed  their  lord  to  the-  siege  of  Quedlinburg 
had  never  returned,  and  during  the  winter  no  new  men 
were  needed.  It  would  be  well  enough  in  the  early  spring 
to  fill  up  the  ranks,  when  it  was  time  for  hostilities  to  be 
renewed.  The  "  Wicked  Seven  "  were  no  longer  here, 
for  Gutdiinkel  and  Femrlein  had  fallen  in  battle,  Bock 
having  only  four  of  his  chosen  comrades  left.  The  appel- 
lation "  wicked  seven''  having  therefore  lost  its  signifi- 
cance, Bock,  in  consideration  of  the  five  who  were  left, 
including  himself,  ingeniously  substituted  the  name  of 
"  the  rough  hand  "  for  the  old  one. 

The  knight  was  merry,  for  to-morrow,  on  New-Year's 
day,  he  was  t )  ask  his  lord's  permission  to  formally  woo 
and  wed  Eilika.  That  he  might  have  a  clear  head  for  this 
serious  affair,  he  had  separated  from  the  wassailers  about 
midnight,  and  betook  himself  to  his  rocky  nook,  in  the 
eastern  end  of  the  castle. 

It  was  a  clear  winter's  night ;  the  moon  had  risen,  and 
its  light,  with  the  reflection  from  the  snow,  made  it  bright 
as  day.     Here  and  there  little  fleecy  clouds  floated  over- 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  309 

head.  Dock  slowly  climbed  the  rocks,  thinking  of  his 
well-prepared  speech  for  the  morrow.  He  hoped  to  be 
placed  by  the  count,  he  and  his  wife,  in  charge  of  one  of 
his  castles,  though  there  was  room  enough  and  to  spare 
at  Regenstein  for  the  new  couple.  Full  of  these  cheerful 
thoughts,  he  stood  looking  idly  about,  when  —  merciful 
Heaven  !  What  sees  he  !  There  above  upon  the  height, 
something  is  slowly  moving  ;  a  white  figure,  plainly  visible 
against  the  sky,  —  the  templar  !  The  templar  appearing 
thus  the  first  night  of  the  new  year !  What  danger, 
what  calamity  to  the  house  doth  this  not  portend  ? 

The  rough  soldier  shuddered  and  stood  rooted  to  the 
spot,  his  eyes  fixed  upon  the  apparition.  Should  he 
mount  the  rocks,  confront  the  spectre,  and  question  it 
boldly?  Already  his  foot  was  upon  the  lowest  step,  when 
he  remembered  that  he  was  unarmed,  and  fearing  to  meet 
the  spirit  without  his  usual  dependence,  his  sword,  he 
remained  motionless,  holding  his  breath  as  if  the  slightest 
sound  would  send  away  the  ghostly  visitant.  It  remained 
for  a  long  time  upon  the  topmost  height,  appearing  to 
look  intently  upon  a  certain  point  in  the  landscape  which 
seemed  to  be  in  the  direction  of  Derenburg.  What 
should  be  there  ?  Did  the  phantom  behold  a  misfortune 
coming  thence  to  menace  the  Regensteins?  At  last  it 
glided  slowly  down  the  steps,  its  white  mantle  blending 
with  the  snow,  and  on  a  sudden  it  vanished. 

As  Bock  lay  that  night  in  his  rocky  hermitage,  he  was 
tormented  with  frightful  dreams,  and  it  seemed  that  when 
he  went  to  his  n: aster  on  the  morrow,  it  would  be  with  a 
light  enough  head  but  a  heavy  heart.  He  asked  himself 
whether  it  were  not  now  his  duty  to  give  up  his  marriage, 
and  devote  his  time  and  strength  to  his  master.  At  any 
rate,  there  was  no  longer  any  question  of  another  abode 
than  Regenstein  ;  he  determined  to  lose  sight  neither  of 


310  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

him  nor  his  lady.  Should  he  tell  the  count  of  the  tem- 
plar's appearance?  It  cut  him  to  the  heart  to  overshadow 
Count  Albrecht' s  happiness  with  his  ominous  news,  and  to 
awaken  within  him  the  apprehension  of  an  unknown 
clanger  lurking  in  the  darkness,  and  ready  to  fall  upon 
him  at  any  moment.  Yet,  after  much  pondering,  he  saw 
that  he  must  not  conceal  his  sight  of  the  apparition  from 
the  count,  who,  forewarned,  must  be  the  better  forearmed. 
When  he  presented  himself  with  his  petition  next  morn- 
ing, Albrecht  gave  his  willing  consent,  and  added,  laugh- 
ingly, u  So  she  hath  conquered  the  old  veteran?  Wed 
her,  in  God's  name  !  Ye  have  my  blessing.  Thou  shalt 
choose  thy  dwelling,  even  if  it  should  be  the  Lauenburg  !  " 

"Count  Albrecht,"  said  Bock,  earnestly,  "I  shall  not 
leave  Regenstein  ;  with  thy  permission,  we  will  abide  here." 

u  Thou  wilt  not,  then,  rule  a  castle,"  said  the  count  in 
surprise.  "  Why,  Bock,  I  had  taken  thee  to  be  more 
ambitious  ! " 

u  I  cannot  leave  thee,  Sir  Count ;  thou  wilt  need  me  !  " 

"  That  shall  I,  in  the  spring,  if  we  come  to  blows  with 
the  bishop.  We  must  force  him  to  give  up  Falkenstein, 
if  he  will  not  do  it  peaceably." 

Bock  shook  his  head. 

"  What  aileth  thee,  Bock?  "  asked  his  master,  looking 
at  him  closely.  "  Thou  dost  not  look  like  a  glad  bride- 
groom." 

''  Neither  am  I,"  answered  Bock.  "  Count  Albrecht,  I 
have  ill  news  for  thee  ;  the  templar  hath  shown  himself  !  " 

The  count  started  from  his  seat. 

' '  The  templar  !     When  ?  " 

"  To-night,  above  there,  on  the  rocks." 

"  Who  hath  seen  him?" 

"I  myself,"  said  Bock.  "I  saw  him  as  I  sought  my 
cell  soon  after  midnight.  If  I  had  had  1113-  sword,  I  would 
have  faced  him." 


THE  BOBBER  COUNT.  311 

"  AVas  thy  head  clear,  Bock?  ' 

"As  clear  as  it  is  this  moment,  and  the  night  was  as 
light  as  day  !  " 

The  count  was  silent,  lost  in  moody  thought.  Finally, 
he  said,  — 

"After  midnight,  thou  sayest ;  it  was  thus  upon  the 
threshold  of  the  old  and  the  new  year  !  Doth  the  vision 
point  to  past  or  future  ills?" 

Bock  shrugged  his  shoulders. 

"  It  is  said  he  is  only  heard  or  seen  when  evil  is  coming. 
We  heard  him  en  that  last  evening  before  the  siege  of 
Quedlinburg,  and  who  knoweth  that  he  did  not  appear  to 
forebode  Count  Siegfried's  end  ?  " 

"  Thou  tlrnkest,  Bock,  that  the  templar  heralds  my 
death?" 

"  It  may  not  be  thine,  Sir  Count." 

"  Whose,  then,  Bock  ?  Not  my  beloved  wife's  !  "  cried 
the  count. 

"Thou  hast  other  brothers,"  answered  Bock.  ""We 
are  all  in  the  Lord's  hand,  but  I  dared  not  keep  this  thing 
from  thee." 

"Thou  art  right,  old  friend;  we  must  be  upon  our 
guard.  Tell  no  one  what  thou  hast  seen,  —  not  even 
Eilika.     Dost  thou  hear?  " 

"No  one  shall  know  it,  Sir  Count,"  answered  Bock, 
putting  his  hand  in  his  master's. 

"  Do  not  betray  by  any  word  or  sign  that  we  have 
aught  to  fear,"  the  count  went  on  ;  "  act  as  if  nothing  had 
chanced  ;  fit  up  thy  dwelling  here  as  suits  thee,  and  tell  me 
when  thou  and  Eilika  will  come  together  at  the  altar." 

Bock  nodded,  and  left  the  count's  presence.  But  he 
was  no  longer  in  the  humor  to  go  and  in  set  phrase  declare 
himself  Eilika's  lover.  lie  could  not  rest,  and  wandered 
about,  now  here,  now  there,  without  well  knowing  what  he 


312  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

was  about.  More  than  once  he  met  Eilika,  who  seemed 
to-day  to  cross  his  path  continually,  and  who  cast  upon 
him  many  meaning  glances.  She  had  expected  his  offer 
long  ago,  and  felt  sure  of  it  on  New-Year's  day,  and  now, 
as  he  showed  no  disposition  to  speak,  she  became  more  and 
more  gloomy.  Bock,  being  invited  to  sit  at  his  master's 
table,  found  him,  to  his  wonder  and  joy,  cheerful  and 
almost  gay,  jesting  in  his  usual  manner,  as  if  the  news  of 
the  templar's  appearance  had  faded  out  of  his  mind. 

"How  goeth  it,  Bock?"  he  asked,  jovially.  "  Hast 
stormed  the  fortress  yet?     Is  the  drawbridge  lowered?  " 

"  I  have  not  attempted  it  as  yet,  my  lord,"  answered 
Bock,  confusedly. 

"Wherefore  delayest  thou,  thou  bashful  younker?" 
laughed  the  count.  "  It  is  not  our  wont  here  to  hold  back 
in  fear,  without  laying  hands  upon  good  booty,  whatever 
it  is." 

"  I  wish  thee  courage,  knight,"  said  Oda,  with  a  smile  ; 
"  and  if  I  am  not  deceived,  thou  wilt  not  encounter  a 
fierce  resistance." 

"If  thou  needest  aid,  Bock,  thou  hast  but  to  speak," 
added  the  count.     "I  am  always  on  the  weaker  side." 

When  the  meal  was  ended,  the  count  and  his  lady  left 
the  hall,  while  Bock  remained,  sunk  in  thought. 

After  a  time  Eilika  entered,  saying,  "  Knight,  the 
countess  sendeth  thee  this  cup  of  wine,  and  saith  thou 
needest  it  specially  to-day  ;  she  bade  me  sit  with  thee 
whilst  thou  drinkest." 

Then,  at  last,  did  the  war-worn  veteran  rise  to  the 
occasion.  He  carefully  smoothed  the  wrinkles  of  his  cinna- 
mon-colored doublet,  stroked  his  mustache,  and  ponder- 
ously began  :  "  Thou  amiable  maiden  !  Fair  flower  on  the 
thorny  pathway  of  life  !  Star  shining  in  my  lonely  sky. 
The  moment  hath  come  to  approach  thee,  courageously. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  313 

I  have  made  no  secret  of  my  ardent  love,  sweet  mistress, 
nor  of  my  fervent  desire  to  call  thee  my  own.  I  therefore 
bow  the  knee,  as  is  befitting  before  the  lady  of  my  heart, 
and  pray  thee,  most  worthy  and  excellent  damsel,  to 
become  a  knight's  honorable  .wife  ;  to  love  me  as  I  love 
thee,  and  so  to  plight  me  thy  troth." 

Thereupon  he  knelt  before  her,  stretched  out  his  bony 
hand,  and,  with  his  head  on  one  side,  looked  at  her  with 
his  keen  eye  and  an  expression  which  he  was  fain  to  make 
as  languishing  and  fascinating  as  possible»  His  high-flown 
phrases  apparently  met  with  approval,  and  when  he  brought 
them  to  an  end,  Eilika  took  his  hand,  and,  with  downcast 
eyes,  as  she  thought  becoming,  answered,  "I  feel  greatly 
honored,  Knight,  by  thy  offer,  and  my  heart  can  no  longer 
conceal  its  preference  for  thee.  I  will  be  thine  in  love 
and  service,  body  and  soul,  and  honor,  and  obey  thee  as 
my  lord  and  master,  with  truth  and  constancy,  till  my 
life's  end." 

"  Now,  I  thank  thee,  beloved  maiden,"  he  said,  with 
renewed  spirit.  "  May  the  holy  saints  grant  thou  never 
regrettest  this  day.  Give  me  now,  I  beg,  a  kiss  as  the 
seal  of  our  betrothal." 

Then  she  kissed  him,  nothing  loath,  and  he  rose  from 
his  knees  and  embraced  her,  joyfully. 

"  Thou  art  mine  at  last,  Eilika  !  Art  thou  right  happy  ?  " 

"Yea,  my — but  what  shall  I  ca'l  thee,  my  own?" 

"  What  shalt  thou  call  me?  " 

"  I  would  say,  what  is  thy  baptismal  name?" 

He  looked  alarmed,  and  put  his  hand  to  his  forehead. 
"  The  devil  take  me  !  "  he  cried  ;  "  I  have  clean  forgotten  ! 
I  have  not  heard  it  for  thirty  years,  and  no  man  here 
knoweth  it ! " 

"  What  sha'l  we  do,  then  ?  "  laughed  Eilika.  u  I  cannot 
call  thee  Bock  ;  T  must  have  thee  christened  again." 


314  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

"  Nay,  nay ;  wait  a  moment !  "  said  he,  searching  his 
memory.  "  I  have  somewhere  an  old  breviary  that  my 
mother  sent  me,  —  heaven  rest  her  soul,  —  when  she  heard 
that  the  Count  von  Regenstcin  had  taken  me  iuto  his  ser- 
vice. She  got  a  monk  to  write  therein  my  name  and  a 
pious  sentence.  Come,  sweetheart,  come  with  me  to  my 
cell ;  we  will  seek  for  it ;  but  —  "  Here  he  stopped  sud- 
denly, and  looked  at  Eilika,  "  I  cannot  read." 

''I  can!"  she  said,  triumphantly,  and  they  marched 
slowly,  arm  in  arm,  to  Bock's  hermitage,  as  if  calling 
liea ven  and  earth  to  bear  witness  to  their  satisfaction. 
When  they  reached  Bock's  nook,  he  said,  "  Wait  here, 
Eilika  !  It  is  not  befitting  for  thee  to  enter  the  chamber 
of  a  bachelor  ;  I  will  fetch  the  book." 

She  smiled  coyly,  and  paced  up  and  down  the  snowy 
earth  till  he  reappeared,  bringing  the  precious  book. 

li  Here  it  is  !  "  he  cried  ;   M  now  read  me  my  name  !  " 

Eilika  unclapsed  the  cover  and  searched.  Then  stand- 
ing upon  tiptoe,  she  threw  her  arms  about  his  neck, 
exclaiming,  "  Thy  name  is  Benjamin  !  " 

u  Benjamin?  "  he  repeated,  with  much  emphasis.  "  Yea, 
that  is  right !     And  the  sentence  ?  " 

a  Oh  !  That  is  Latin  ;  I  understand  it  not.  But  come, 
now,  let  us  come  to  our  lord  and  lady,  dear  Benjamin 
Bock  von  Schlanstedt !  " 


THE  ROBBEU  COUNT.  315 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

Never  had  Count  Albrecht  remained  so  long  inactive  in 
his  stronghold  as  during  this  winter,  which  lasted  long, 
and  put  his  impatient  spirit  to  the  test.  Oda,  on  the  other 
hand,  was  grateful  for  every  flake  of  snow  which  helped 
to  keep  her  restless  husband  by  her  side,  as  her  entreaties 
alone  might  have  failed  in  doing.  She  well  knew  that 
when  the  spring  came  and  the  sunshine  thawed  the  frozen 
ways,  Albrecht  would  don  his  harness  once  more  and  take 
up  arms,  of  which  he  already  began  to  speak.  All  the 
happiness  which  he  now  enjoyed  could  not  keep  him  quiet ; 
something  forever  urged  him  to  add  to  his  power  and  the 
lustre  of  the  family  name. 

Oda's  inheritance  was  still  in  the  hands  of  the  bishop  of 
Halberstadt,  the  long  winter  having  been  favorable  to  the 
latter,  enabling  him  to  spin  out  the  negotiations  relating 
to  Falkenstein  in  the  most  satisfactory  manner  to  himself. 

These  negotiations  were  not  carried  on  by  Count 
Albrecht,  but  by  Count  Burchard  von  Mansfeld,  who 
offered  himself  as  intermediary.  But  Albrecht  soon  lost 
patience,  and  declared  to  his  friend  that  if  no  decision 
were  reached  by  spring,  he  would  draw  the  sword,  and  thus 
bring  matters  to  a  speedy  issue. 

As  the  season  advanced,  and  the  bishop  still  kept  his 
hold  of  the  earldom,  desirous,  apparently,  of  avoiding 
hostilities,  nothwithstandiug  his  secret  preparations,  Count 
Albrecht  began  to  make  ready  to  meet  him  in  the  field. 
Oda  did  all  that  she  could  to  dissuade  him  fi\,m  putting 
himself  in  peril  for  the  sake  of  her  inheritance.     But  her 


316  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

prayers  were  of  no  avail,  though  it  must  be  confessed  his 
preparations  proceeded  but  slowly. 

Albrecht  saw  that  this  was  to  be  the  beginning  of  a 
struggle  which  mint  end  in  the  overthrow  of  one  or  the 
other  contestants,  and  he  resolved  not  to  be  rash  i.or  over- 
hasty,  as  he  had  been  at  the  time  of  the  siege  of  Quecllin- 
burg.  He  therefore  made  his  arrangements  with  great 
care,  though  this  was  not  the  cause  of  the  unusual  delay. 

Count  Albrecht  was  changed  ;  he  seemed  ill  at  ease,  and 
there  was  a  hesitation  and  indecision  about  his  orders 
which  led  to  the  waste  of  valuable  time,  which  he  could 
not  rid  himself  of.  Something  seemed  to  paralyze  his 
will,  and  takeaway  his  self-confidence.  It  was  not  fear: 
against  that  he  was  proof;  and  when  he  questioned  himself, 
he  was  obliged  to  confess  that  it  was  due  to  the  appear- 
ance of  the  templar.  He  was  convinced  that  this  had 
reference  to  the  coming  contest,  and  that  some  terrible 
thing  threatened  him,  heralded  by  the  uneasy  spirit.  All 
was  at  last  in  readiness,  but,  deterred  by  his  forebodings, 
Count  Albrecht  lingered  still,  and  such  procrastination 
might  well  prove  serious,  if  nothing  more. 

Bock  von  Schlanstedt,  now  for  some  time  the  contented 
husband  of  the  happy  Eilika ,  was  under  the  same  spell  as 
his  master,  although  no  further  allusion  was  made  by  either 
to  the  spectral  appearance.  He  watched  the  count  untir- 
ingly, and  when  the  latter  rode,  as  he  sometimes  did,  with 
his  shield-bearer,  Schadow,  to  one  or  the  other  of  his  cas- 
tles, Bock  secretly  followed  him,  ordering  his  four  com- 
rades to  scour  the  neighborhood,  to  warn  and  aid  the  count 
of  any  approaching  danger.  Albrecht  was  aware  of  his 
presence,  for  Bock's  big-boned  steed  was  easily  recogniz- 
able, and  he  was  pleased  by  this  devotion,  but  neither  the 
count  nor  the  others  knew  that  he  was  being  covertly 
watched  and  tracked  by  hired  spies. 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  217 

At  the  end  of  a  beautiful  spring  day,  in  the  latter  part 
of  May,  Albrecht  and  Oda  stood  on  the  summit  of  Regen- 
stein,  gazing  at  the  setting  sun,  and  recalling  the  past  and 
the  many  talks  they  had  had  together  on  this  very  spot. 
Albrecht  looked  g'"ave,  as  he  drew  his  wife  closer  to  him. 
"  Dost  thou  remember,"  she  began,  "  how  thou  didst  woo 
me  here,  for  thy  brother  Siegfried?  Didst  thou  not  love 
me  then  thyself?  " 

u  As  much  as  I  do  now !  "  he  answered  ;  "  but  I  had 
given  him  my  word,  and  hadst  thou  consented  —  " 

"  Nay,  Albrecht,  I  could  never  have  done  so,  though  I 
strove  for  a  little  to  accustom  myself  to  the  thought.  I 
loved  thee  alone,  and  thy  pleading  for  Siegfried  cost  me 
many  a  bitter  hour  !  " 

M  Forgive  me,  Oda  !  "  he  said,  tenderly  ;  M  but  now  we 
are  joined  together,  and  nothing  but  death  can  separate 
us." 

"  Speak  not  of  death,  Albrecht!  Life  is  so  beautiful. 
Oh,  I  have  a  great  dread  of  thy  going  forth  to  fight 
again  —  " 

"  Thou  art  a  soldier's  wife,"  he  answered.  "  And  if  I 
return  to  thee  victorious  —  " 

'•If  thou  returnest!"  bhe  repeated,  terrified.  "  The 
bishop  is  a  malignant  foe,  but  he  is  not  the  worst.  Fear- 
est  thou  not  the  abbess's  revenge  ?  " 

"  A  woman's  revenge  !  "  he  cried,  scornfully.  "  What 
harm  can  a  needle  do  an  armed  man  ?  " 

"There  is  much  in  song  and  legend  of  woman's  re- 
venge," she  continued.  "  Albrecht,  art  thou,  then,  so  sure 
of  victory?" 

"  I  was  never  before  so  well  prepared  as  now." 

"  But  yet  I  see  a  cloud  on  thy  brow.  Albrecht,  give  up 
this  conflict,  in  which  so  much  is  at  stake,  and  which  can 
yield  so  little  !  "     She  hung  upon  his  neck,  stroked  his 


31S  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

hair,  and  looked  at  him  so  tenderly  with  her  blue  eyes, 
that  he  was  strangely  moved. 

He  clasped  her  in  his  arms.  "  Foolish  child  !  "  he  said, 
affectionately  ;  ' '  thou  bluntest  the  edge  of  my  sword  with 
thy  witcheries.  Must  I  peradventure  some  day  cast  down 
my  eyes,  when  a  son  of  mine  asketh  me  for  his  mother's 
inheritance  ?  " 

Oda  hid  her  face  on  his  breast,  without  answering. 

"  I  will  bring  thee  the  keys  of  Falkenstein  castle,  my 
Oda.     Will  not  that  please  thee  ?  " 

She  shook  her  head,  but  not  moving  it  from  its  resting- 
place.  Then  suddenly  she  asked,  ' '  Ridest  thou  not  forth 
to-morrow  for  news  ?  " 

"  Yea,  to-morrow,"  he  replied. 

"  Whither?" 

"  To  Derenburg,  and  thence  past  Danstedt  to  Wester- 
burg.  I  must  furnish  myself  with  more  men,  and  look 
after  the  horses." 

"  And  with  whom  ?  " 

"  With  my  Schadow"  he  replied,  smiling;  "  but  why 
dost  thou  ask  ?  " 

"  Ah  !  if  I  could  go  with  thee,"  she  sighed  ;  "  my  heart 
is  so  heavy." 

"I  will  be  with  thee  at  eve,"  he  assured  her,  but  he 
felt  himself  oppressed  in  mind.  Oda's  words  and  trem- 
bling anxiety  unnerved  him  more  than  he  cared  to  show. 

They  were  silent  for  a  little,  each  seeking  to  read  the 
other's  heart.  The  rosy  glow  of  sunset  warmed  Oda's 
pale  cheeks,  and  made  Albrecht's  locks  gleam  like  gold, 
whilst  their  shadows  stretched  out  far  behind  them  upon 
the  rocks. 

"  Behold  how  gorgeously  the  sun  sinketh,"  said  Albrecht ; 
"  it  biddeth  farewell  to  one  more  beautiful  day,  which  will 
never  return." 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  319 

"  And  the  sun  hath  created  its  beauty,  as  thou  hast 
created  my  happiness,  Albrecht.  Thou  art  my  sun.  All 
would  be  night,  dark  night,  wert  thou  to  leave  me.  I 
tremble  at  the  thought  of  bidding  thee  farewell." 

"Let  us  say  good  by  now,"  he  said,  seriously. 

"  Now?  To-day?  Albrecht,  thou  art  not  going  out  to 
fight  to-morrow." 

11  Nay,  my  love  ;  but  then  might  I  steal  away  some 
morning  before  thou  awakest,  and  spare  thee  the  pain  of 
a  farewell." 

"Albrecht,  thy  face  looketh  red,  like  blood  !  "  she  cried 
in  affright. 

u  It  is  only  the  reflection  of  the  setting  sun,"  he  said. 

"  The  setting  sun,"  she  repeated,  and  began  to  sob 
upon  his  breast.  He  tried  to  soothe  her,  and  holding  her 
in  his  arms,  he  perceived  that  she  shivered  from  head  to 
foot. 

"  Come,"  said  he  ;  "it  groweth  cool  here." 

He  led  her  carefully  down  the  rocky  steps,  the  sun 
having  now  quite  disappeared  below  the  horizon. 

Next  morning  Count  Albrecht  sent  Bock  with  a  message 
to  Benzingerode.  As  the  latter  saw  Schadow  saddling  his 
own  and  his  master's  horses,  he  asked,  "Whither  ride 
ye  to-day?" 

"  To  Westerburg,"  answered  Schadow. 

Thereupon  Bock  ordered  Rupfer  and  Springwolf  to 
follow  the  count  slowly,  without  his  knowledge,  as  far  as 
Derenburg,  and  to  wait  there  till  he  joined  them  with 
Nothnagel  and  Hasenbart.  Then  he  rode  off  with  the 
two  latter. 

Count  Albrecht  was  soon  in  the  saddle,  and  on  the  way, 
with  Schadow,  to  Derenburg.  It  was  a  warm  day,  and  he 
wore  only  a  light  shirt  of  mail,  without  his  usual  quilted 
buff  coat.     At  Derenburg  he  was  satisfied  with  what  he 


320  THE  BOBBER  COUNT. 

saw,  and  remained  there  but  a  short  time,  riding  on,  still 
with  his  shield-bearer,  toward  Danstedt,  in  order  to  reach 
Westerburg  betimes. 

As  they  trotted  slowly  along  the  hilly  road,  they  saw 
at  a  little  distance  a  single  horseman,  apparently  a 
peasant,  in  a  blue  frock,  riding  in  the  same  direction. 
They  paid  no  attention  to  him,  and  he  soon  passed  out 
of  sight. 

Suddenly,  in  a  moment,  near  the  hamlet  of  Danstedt, 
a  body  of  men  in  the  bishop's  colors  fell  upon  them. 
They  rushed  at  Albrecht,  with  swords  drawn,  and  their 
leader,  no  other  than  Rudolf  von  Dorstadt,  cried  out, — 

"  Ha,  Robber  Count !  Dost  thou  remember  the  priest's 
hireling  ?  " 

Albrecht's  sword  flashed  from  its  sheath  like  lightning, 
and  he  fought  like  a  lion  with  Von  Dorstadt,  whose  men 
meanwhile  fell  upon  Schadow.  The  latter  soon  received 
a  blow  from  a  mace,  and  fell  from  the  saddle.  Count 
Albrecht  was  himself  bleeding  profusely  from  a  wound 
upon  the  head,  and  could  scarcely  see  what  he  was  doing. 
Closely  pressed  on  all  sides,  there  was  no  chance  of  escape, 
and  while  he  was  parrying  a  blow,  Rudolf  von  Dorstadt 
thrust  his  sword  into  his  breast  with  such  force  that  he 
sank  back  with  a  groan,  and  fell  heavily  to  the  ground. 

The  murderers  galloped  away,  exulting,  leaving  their 
victims  where  they  fell.  One  was  alive  ;  the  heart  of  the 
other  had  ceased  to  beat. 

Count  Albrecht  von  Regensteiu  was  no  more. 

Bock,  with  his  two  companions,  coming  from  Benzinge- 
rode,  met  the  other  two  near  Derenburg,  and  riding 
toward  Danstedt,  encountered  on  the  way  two  riderless 
horses,  which  they  recognized  as  Count  Albrecht's  and 
Schadow's.  At  once  they  began  madly  spurring  their  own 
beasts,  and  following  the  prints  of  the  hoofs,  they  soon 


THE  BOBBER  COUNT.  321 

reached  the  fatal  spot,  and  threw  themselves  headlong 
from  their  sad  lies. 

"Dead!  dead!"  groaned  Bock.  "  Just  too  late.  He 
is  not  e'en  cold." 

He  threw  himself  in  wild  despair  upon  his  master's 
body,  and  only  a  stifled  sob  distinguished  the  living  from 
the  dead. 

"  Schadow  liveth  !  "  cried  one  of  the  men.  And  they 
were  all  instantly  beside  him.  He  breathed  feebly,  and 
after  a  little  opened  his  eyes. 

"  Schadow  ! "  cried  Bock,  "  dost  thou  hear?  Canst  thou 
speak  ?     Who  hath  done  this  ?  " 

With  great  difficulty  Schadow  gasped,  "  Rudolf  von 
Dorstadt,  Albrecht  von  Bodenteich,  Albert  von  Semmen- 
stedt  —  " 

"Only  three?" 

"  And  their  men.     Is  Count  —  " 

"  Dead,  Schadow  ;  dead  !  "  cried  Bock. 

"  Then  I  '11  not  live  !  " 

The  four  rough  men,  familiar  with  death  as  they  were, 
stood  looking  on  with  dim  eyes.  Bock  kneeled  beside  his 
master's  form,  unconscious  of  aught  else,  and  the  tears 
trickled  down  his  weather-beaten  cheeks. 

At  last  Notlmagel  touched  his  shoulder,  saying,  "  We 
must  bring  them  home." 

Bock  nodded  his  head  slowly,  and  answered,  "Go, 
get  a  wain  !  " 

Then  rising,  and  turning  toward  Regenstein,  he  mut- 
tered, "  T  was  here  the  templar  looked  on  New-Year's 
night.     He  saw  it  all." 

The  men  did  not  understand  him.  Three  of  them  went 
to  the  village,  and  returned  soon  with  a  rough  farm  wain, 
in  which  they  first  laid  the  body  of  Count  Albrecht. 
When  they  raised  Schadow,  they  saw  that  he,  likewise, 


322  THE  ROBBER  CO  TXT. 

was  dead.  Then  the  mournful  train  slowly  took  its  way 
to  Regen stein.  Bock  rode  in  front,  the  four  others  behind. 
When  they  reached  the  castle,  at  noon,  they  almost  ex- 
pected to  see  the  rocks  crumble  beneath  their  feet.  Soon 
the  news  was  told,  and  nothing  was  heard  but  cries  and 
lamentation.  Countess  Oda  at  once  fell  into  a  death-like 
swoon;  and  during  the  terrible  hours  which  followed,  a 
son  was  born  to  her.  Ursula  and  Eilika  nursed  them  with 
tender  devotion,  and  she  and  the  child  both  lived. 

Three  days  later,  Count  Albrecht's  remains  lay  beside 
those  of  his  brother  Siegfried  in  the  cloister  of  Michael- 
stein.  A  storm  of  indignation  swept  through  the  country 
at  the  news  of  this  atrocious  deed.  The  Count  von  Regen 
stein  dead!  The  sturdy  oak  fallen,  which  had  shadowed 
the  land  and  sheltered  the  oppressed  !  From  all  parts  of 
the  Hartz,  from  Hackel  and  Huy,  from  the  cities  and  vil- 
lages, men  looked  toward  Regenstein  as  if  to  assure  them- 
selves that  its  proud  rocks  still  soared  aloft,  that  it  shared 
not  in  its  lord's  downfall.  Fingers  were  pointed  at  the 
murderers,  though  all  knew  they  were  but  the  bishop's 
tools. 

Two  days  after  the  deed,  it  was  known  he  had  left 
PetiTshof  for  one  of  his  cast'es,  probably  Falkenstein. 
Vainly  he  protested  his  innocence.  No  one  believed  him  ; 
moreover,  he  retained  the  murderers  in  his  service. 

On  the  evening  of  the  fatal  day,  a  messenger  appeared 
at  the  castle  of  Quedlinburg  with  a  letter  for  the  abbess. 
It  contained  these  words  in  Latin:  "What  thou  hast 
desired,  is  done  ;  I  await  my  reward." 

A  triumphant  light  burned  in  Jutta's  dark  eyes. 

"  Dead,  and  she  a  widow  ;  I  am  avenged  !  " 

But  in  the  night,  as  she  tossed  about,  now  in  fitful 
Bleep,  now  in  long  hours  of  wakefulness, conscience-stricken 
and    oppressed,  she  was   beset   b}*    dreams    and  visions. 


THE  IK >  HUE 11   COUNT.  323 

Count  Albrecht  came  to  her  in  the  pride  of  manly  beauty, 
and  stretching  out  his  hand,  said,  "  Come,  my  beloved! 
Thou  art  mine  !  "  But  when  she  seized  it,  behold,  it  was 
icy  cold  ;  blood  trickled  through  his  chain  mail,  and  his 
freezing  glance  pierced  her  soul,  as  he  said,  "Thou  hast 
torn  me  from  the  arms  of  my  wife  ;  thou  host  slain  me  by 
the  hand  of  thy  lover ;  before  God's  throne  will  I  accuse 
thee.'*  She  awoke,  trembling,  and  lay  staring  into  the 
darkness,  with  wide-open  eyes.  Then  again,  in  half- 
slumber,  the  bishop's  youthful  figure  stood  before  her  in 
the  princely  dress  of  the  high-born  page  at  the  Wartburg. 
lie  looked  at  her  eagerly,  and  whispered,  "  What  thou 
hast  wished,  is  done ;  grant  me  my  reward  ;  thou  hast 
given  me  thy  word."  Then  he  took  her  in  his  arms  and 
bore  her  away,  and  they  seemed  to  float  upon  clouds,  till 
suddenly  she  fell  lost  in  a  fearful  abyss,  and  again  awoke 
with  a  cry.  Her  head  burned,  and  she  seemed  to  feel  it 
throb  with  each  pulsation  of  the  blood  ;  wild,  despairing 
thoughts  chased  one  another  through  her  brain.  It 
seemed  as  if  she  would  never  sleep  again.  When  morning 
at  last  dawned,  her  resolution  was  taken  ;  after  a  bitter 
struggle,  she  had  determined  upon  her  coarse.  Yesterday 
she  was  another  woman.  The  nobly  formed  features  now 
wore  an  air  of  sternness;  no  smile  hovered  about  the  full 
lips,  and  in  her  eyes  was  only  an  expression  of  rigid 
determination.  She  had  clothed  herself  in  black.  Alone 
in  her  room,  she  wrote  two  letters:  one  to  the  bishop  of 
Halberstadt  and  one  to  the  abbess  of  the  Walbeck  con- 
vent, which  belonged  to  that  of  (Juedlinburg,  and  was  in 
the  earldom  of  Arnstein.  Before  she  had  finished  the 
second,  the  canoness  entered  the  room,  horror  in  every 
feature  of  her  face. 

"  Jutta !  "    she   exclaimed,    ''prepare    thyself   to   hear 
frightful  tidings  !     Count  Albrecht  is  slain  !  " 


324  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

"I  know  it,  Adelheid,"  answered  the  abbess,  apathet- 
ically. 

"  Tkouknowest  it  already?"  said  the  other,  in  surprise. 
k' Ah  !     I  see  ;  thou  wearest  Mack,  but  whence  —  " 

"  Listen  to  me  ;  seek  not  to  g  .insay  me  ;  it  would  be  in 
vain,"  said  Jutta,  calmly.  "  I  am  going  away  ;  ask  me  not 
whither.  To  the  others,  I  shall  say,  '  To  the  Wartburjr, 
where  I  have  promised  to  visit  the  Landgravine.'  Hedwig 
will  accompany  me." 

"But  the  escort—" 

"  I  shall  journey  with  an  escort  from  the  bishop,  which 
I  look  for  in  two  days.  Thou  alone  shalt  know  now  that 
I  am  not  to  return. 

"  Jutta  !     What  meanest  thou  ?  " 

';  It  mcaneth  —  nay,  not  yet !  Leave  me,  Adelheid  !  I 
will  not  go  without  bidding  thee  farewell.  Send  Hedwig 
to  me  ;  I  will  see  no  one  else." 

The  canoness  cast  a  troubled  look  upon  her  friend,  and 
left  the  room. 

Two  days  later  the  abbess  and  Hedwig  von  Hakeborn 
left  the  castle  with  the  bishop's  men,  but  the  road  they 
travelled  did  not  lead  to  Thuringia. 

Two  or  three  weeks  later  Hedwig  returned  alone,  telling 
no  one  where  she  had  been  with  the  abbess,  but  brought  with 
her  a  letter  from  the  latter,  stating  that  Countess  Jutta  von 
Kranichfeld  resigned  her  office  of  abbess  of  Quedlinburg  and 
bade  farewell  to  the  chapter,  having  entered  the  convent  of 
Walbeck,  there  to  pass  the  remainder  of  her  days  in  prayer 
and  penance.  She  recommended,  as  her  successor,  the 
Countess  Luitgard  von  Stolberg,  who  was  soon  after 
chosen  abbess.  With  a  natural  desire  for  revenge,  Al- 
brecht's  brothers,  under  Bernhard's  lead,  took  up  arms 
against  the  bishop,  having  been  promised  the  aid  of  the 
Count  of  Mansfield.     But  their  adversary  was  as  strong 


THE  ROBBER  COUNT.  325 

as  they,  and  Count  Albrecht  was  no  longer  at  their  head. 
The  bishop  had  pr  longed  his  misleading  negotiations  and 
avoided  an  open  rupture,  planning  meanwhile  to  be  rid  of 
the  only  man  whom  he  feared.  Now,  therefore,  he  ven- 
tured upon  what  he  had  never  dared  to  do  while  Count 
Albrecht  lived  :  he  gave  up  acting  on  the  defensive,  and 
boldly  attacked  the  Regensteins  at  every  point.  He  took 
Castle  Gersdorf  by  storm  ;  invaded  the  earldom  of  Mans- 
feld,  and  laid  it  waste  with  fire  and  sword  ;  marched  north- 
ward, seizing  Emersleben  and  Schwanebeck,  and  at 
length  the  hitherto  impregnable  fortress  of  Crottorf. 
Then  he  demanded  a  cessation  of  hostilities.  He  had 
attained  his  end,  and  acquired  sovereign  authority  in 
the  Hartz  country.  No  one  dared  to  question  it ;  all 
bowed  before  him,  now  that  their  chief  and  champion, 
Albrecht  von  Regenstein,  had  departed.  From  the  Oker 
to  the  Bode  and  far  into  Swabia  his  rule  extended,  and 
the  principality  of  Halberstadt,  founded  by  this  wily  and 
warlike  prelate,  maintained  its  independence  for  three 
centuries. 

The  ascendency  of  the  house  of  Regenstein  was  de- 
stroyed forever,  but  considerable  possessions  yet  remained 
to  it,  wisely  and  peacefully  governed  by  Bernhard  till  the 
majority  of  Albrecht's  son.  In  him  Countess  Oda  found 
her  great  and  only  consolation.  She  never  regained  her 
rightful  inheritance  of  Falkenstein.  Bock  and  Eilika 
were  faithful  to  her,  and  all  the  young  count's  instructions 
in  riding  and  handling  his  weapons  were  received  from  the 
loyal  old  knight. 

A  long  line  of  brave  and  vigorous  men  did  honor  to  the 
memory  of  their  famous  ancestor,  Count  Albrecht  the  Sec- 
ond, who  was  called  by  his  enemies  "  The  Robber  Count." 
By  this  name  he  is  known  to  this  day  in  the  speech  and 
tradition  of  his  native  land,  and  the  traveller  who  visits 


326  THE  ROBBER  COUNT. 

the  castle  of  King  Heinrich  the  Fowler,  and  looks  thence 
over  the  country,  sees  in  the  distance  the  precipitous 
Regenstein,  where  yet  stands  the  remains  of  the  mighty 
fortress,  and  directly  beneath  him  is  the  old  town  of 
Quedlinburg,  upon  whose  walls  stand  the  towers  which 
Count  Albrecht  was  forced  to  build  at  his  own  cost.  The 
convent  he  protected  was  in  existence  at  the  beginning  of 
this  century,  until  destroyed  by  Napoleon  in  1803.  It  has 
been  ruled  over  by  thirt}T-six  abbesses  and  one  provost, 
Aurora  von  Konigsmark.  The  last  abbess,  Princess  So- 
phie Albertine,  of  Sweden,  died  in  1829,  and  an  ancestor 
of  the  writer  of  this  historic  tale  held  the  same  oil  ice 
under  her  that  Master  Willekin  held  during  the  sway  of 
the  beautiful  Jutta. 

If  the  traveller  passes  out  from  the  burying-place  of 
King  Heinrich,  his  wife,  and  grand-daughter,  the  Abbess 
Mathilde,  through  Jutta's  portal,  and  descends  the  hill 
over  the  "Fowler's  Ground,"  he  will  soon  come  to  the 
stately  old  Town  House.  Here  he  is  shown  to-day  "  The 
Robber  Count's"  prison  cage,  as  well  as  his  weapons, 
hunting- pouch,  spurs,  and  some  of  his  letters  ;  and  if  he 
should  ask  a  Quedliuburg  school-boy,  "  Can  you  tell  me 
who  Albrecht  von  Regenstein  was?"  he  would  probably 
be  answered,  with  a  smile,  "  Do  you  not  know?  Why,  he 
was  «  The  Robber  Count.' " 


The  Salt  Master  of  Luneburg 

From  the  German  of  Julius  Wolff.     By  \V.  Henry  and  Elizabeth  R. 
Winslow.     i2ino,  cloth,  $1.50. 

In  these  days,  so  rife  with  labor  troubles  and  the  strained  relations  of  employer 
and  employed,  it  is  interesting  to  go  back  to  the  time  when  there  was  a  complete 
and  complicated  system  of  guilds,  embracing  nearly  all  trades,  and  carrying  with  it 
the  hierarchy  of  masters  and  apprentices.  To  such  a  period  are  we  transported 
by  Julius  Wolff's  great  novel  Der  Siil/meister,  or  "  The  Salt  Master  of  Luneburg." 

The  scene  is  laid  in  the  famous  city  of  Luneburg,  about  the  middle  of  the 
fifteenth  century,  during  the  reign  of  Frederick  III.  The  book  overflows  with 
fascinating  descriptions  of  the  customs  of  the  mediaeval  city,  of  the  Coopers  and 
Vintners,  and  Furriers  and  Shoemakers  Guilds;  through  the  whole  run  the  silver 
and  golden  threads  of  a  double  romance.  There  are  many  delightfully  humorous 
incidents,  and  here  and  there  occur  the  lyric  gems  for  which  the  author  is  noted. 

OPINIONS  OF  THE  PRESS: 

'•The  mutual  jealousies  of  the  nobles  and  the  burghers,  and  the  encroachments 
of  the  Papal  Church  are  portrayed  skilfully,  while  the  picture  of  the  common 
daily  habits  and  manners  of  various  sorts  of  people  is  drawn  with  a  realistic 
vivacity  and  completeness  worthy  of  high  praise.  High  moral  ideals  are  held  up 
also."  —  Boston  Congregational ist. 

"The  characters  are  admirably  drawn,  and  the  novel  altogether  is  full  of 
interest."  —  Charleston  Sunday  Neivs. 

"Amid  the  flood  of  novels  that  is  poured  upon  the  reading  world  in  these 
days,  it  is  refreshing  to  be  now  and  then  favored  with  a  gem  of  the  first  water,  in 
which  there  is  neither  a  straining  after  the  brutal  effects  of  the  modern  idea  of  real- 
ism  nor  an  idealism  that  soars  into  the  realm  of  the  '  indefinable.'  Such  a  gem  of  a 
book  is  the  historical  novel  entitled  '  The  Salt  Master.'  "  —  Boston  Home  Journal. 

"  Of  all  the  numerous  novels  that  have  recently  been  translated  from  the  German 
there  is  no  one  perhaps  that  deserves  a  wider  circle  of  readers  than  •  The  Salt  Master 
of  Luneburg.'  " —  Columbus  State  Journal. 

"  Never  has  a  better  picture  of  old  town  life  been  given  to  the  world,  and  seldom 
has  an  exact  historical  portrait  such  vivid  and  sustained  interest."  —  Boston  Com- 
mercial Bulletin. 

"The  translators  have  evidently  enjoyed  their  work,  and,  being  expert  writers, 
they  have  made  a  fluent  and  graceful  version  of  a  very  delightful,  historical,  and 
social  romance.  No  trace  of  German  idioms  can  be  detected  in  the  whole  book."  — 
Philadelphia  Evening  Bulletin. 

"  Withal  there  is  a  strong  element  of  the  romantic  in  the  book,  which  entitles  it 
to  high  rank  among  the  few  historic  novels."  —  San  Francisco  Chronicle. 

"  Students  of  the  labor  question,  if  they  will  condescend  to  so  frivolous  an  occu- 
pation as  novel  reading,  might  also  derive  advantage  from  a  perusal  of  this  volume, 
which,  with  unquestioned  fidelity,  sets  forth  the  aspects  of  an  era  when  traaes  union- 
ism had  attained  a  perfection  altogether  unknown  to  the  modern  world."—  The 
Beacon. 

THOMAS  Y.  CROWELL  &  CO., 

46  EAST  FOURTEENTH  STREET     -     -     -     NEW  YORK 


Sister  Saint  Sulpice 

From  the  Spanish  of  Don  Armando  Palacio  Valdes,  author  of"  Maximina,"  "  Mar- 
quis of  Pefialta,"  etc.    By  Nathan  Haskell  Dole.    i2mo, 
with  portrait  of  author,  $1.50 

This  piquant  and  delightful  novel,  though  written  by  an  avowed  "realist,"  is  a 
prose  idyl.  The  scene  is  laid  for  the  most  part  in  Southern  Spain,  and  in  Seville, 
the  picturesque  and  poetic  capital  of  Andalusia,  so  full  of  Moorish  traditions.  The 
heroine  is  a  fascinating  nun,  not  bound,  however,  by  perpetual  vows.  Vivacious, 
beautiful,  passionate,  spontaneous,  and  true.  The  book  is  full  of  color,  and  abounds 
in  charming  descriptions  and  vivid  scenes  of  high  and  low  life.  The  story  is  pre- 
ceded by  Sefior  Valdes's  remarkable  prologue  concerning  the  art  of  the  novelist. 

OPINIONS  OF  THE  PRESS: 

"  It  is  a  lively  book,  .  .  .  the  very  red  pepper  and  moonshine  of  passion  and 
romance."  —  Buffalo  Express. 

"Anybody  who  has  read  'Maximina'  will  be  likely  to  welcome  another  book 
by  the  same  author,  and  in  '  Sister  Saint  Sulpice  '  it  will  be  found  that  the  vivacious 
Spanish  romancer,  Don  Armando  Palacio  Valdes,  has  not  lost  his  charm.  His  ver- 
satility, sprightliness,  and  photographic  knack  make  exceedingly  good  company  of 
him.  .  .  .  We  have  exquisite  love-making,  some  pathos,  and  no  end  of  fun.  .  .  . 
The  new  story  is  admirably  translated."  —  New  York  Sun. 

"  There  is  not  an  uninteresting  page  in  the  book."  —  San  Francisco  Morning 
Call. 

"  The  art  of  Valdes  is  derived  from  study  of  the  best  models.  ...  It  is  defined 
importantly  in  an  essay  which  forms  a  prologue  to  this  story."  —  Boston  Globe. 

"There  is  a  realistic  power  in  his  descriptions  that  is  very  fascinating,  because 
of  their  naturalness  and  their  entire  freedom  from  that  brutal  realism  in  which  so 
many  of  his  French  neighbors  of  the  Zola  School  delight  to  revel.  With  his  pic- 
tures of  social  life  so  brightly  and  vivaciously  drawn,  the  reader  is,  almost  without 
exception,  attracted,  instead  of  being  repelled  and  often  disgusted."  —  Boston 
Home  journal. 

"  The  plot  in  itself  is  trifling,  but  it  serves  as  a  wall  on  which  to  hang  a  series 
of  wonderful  pictures  of  daily  life  in  the  streets,  the  cigar  factories,  the  tenements, 
the  palaces  of  old  Spain."  — Boston  Commercial  Bulletin. 

"  A  capital  story  through  the  medium  of  Nathan  Haskell  Dole's  clear,  strong 
translation."  —  Buffalo  Express. 

"  One  is  never  conscious  of  a  paucity  of  incident,  so  incessant  is  the  lively 
dialogue  and  so  vivid  the  glimpses  of  Spanish  life."  —  Philadelphia  Press. 

"The  story  attains  the  very  spirit  of  the  pleasure-loving  people  of  Seville. 
The  manners  and  customs  of  the  people  are  transcribed  as  perfectly  as  their 
actions  in  the  course  of  the  story.  All  is  sunshine,  love,  and  abandon."  —  Boston 
Journal . 

THOMAS  Y.  CROWELL  &  CO., 
46  EAST  FOURTEENTH  STREET     -     -    -     NEW  YORK 


T.  Y.  CROWELL  &  CO.'S  NEW  BOOKS. 

1  THE  FOUNDING  OF  THE  GERMAN  EMPIRE  BY  WILLIAM  I.    Translated 

from  the  German  of  Heinrich  von  Sybel  by  Professor  Marshall  Living- 
stone Perrin,  of  the  Boston  University.  5  volumes.  Svo.  Cloth,  $10.00. 
Half  Morocco,  $15.00. 

This  work,  on  the  publication  of  the  first  volume,  was  instantly  recognized  by 
the  German  critics  as  a  masterpiece  of  historical  writing;  at  the  same  time,  its 
genuine  popularity  was  attested  by  the  fact  that  an  edition  of  fifty  thousand 
copies  was  almost  immediately  exhausted.  It  is  a  calm,  but  at  the  same  time 
brilliant  and  complete  portrayal  of  the  most  portentous  creation  of  modern 
times.  The  present  edition  is  translated  by  Professor  Perrin,  whose  scholarly 
accuracy  and  care  are  visible  on  every  page.  It  is  in  five  volumes,  illustrated 
with  portraits  of  Wilhelm  I.,  Bismarck,  Von  Moltke,  Friedrich,  and  the  present 
Emperor. 

2  JANE  EYRE.     By  Charlotte  Bronte.    With  4S  illustrations,  engraved  by 

Andrew.  Carefully  printed  from  beautiful  type  on  superior  calendered  paper. 
2  volumes.  i2mo.  Cloth,  gilt  top,  boxed,  $5.00.  Half  calf,  $9.00.  Edition  de 
luxe,  limited  to  250  numbered  copies,  large  paper,  Japan  proofs  mounted,  $10.00. 
Jane  Eyre  is  one  of  the  books  which  seem  destined  to  live.  Its  original  and 
vivid  style,  its  life-like  and  powerful  plot,  its  tremendous  moral  purport  (once 
misunderstood,  but  now  recognized)  make  it  one  of  the  most  absorbing  novels 
ever  written.  The  present  illustrated  edition  is  as  perfect  as  will  ever  be  pro* 
duced.  Press-work,  paper,  illustrations,  and  binding  combine  into  a  whole  thai 
is  a  delight  to  the  eye  and  a  cynosure  for  a  library. 

3  THE   PORTABLE    COMMENTARY.     By  Jamieson,  Faussett,  and  Brown. 

2  volumes.     Crown  Svo.     Cloth,  $4.00. 

This  convenient  manual  has  a  world-wide  reputation  as  the  best  book  of  its 
kind  in  the  English  language.  It  is  full,  yet  concise,  easily  understood,  clear  in 
tvpe,  convenient  in  size;  a  work  that  should  be  in  the  hands  of  every  student  of 
tlie  Bible. 

4  THE  NARRATIVE  OF  CAPTAIN  COIGNET,  Soldier  of  the  Empire,  1776- 

1850.  An  autobiographical  account  of  one  of  Napoleon's  Body  Guard,  b  ully 
illustrated.     i2mo.     Half  leather,  $2.50.     Half  calf,  $5.00. 

The  Recollections  of  Captain  Coignet,  perfectly  authenticated,  come  to  us  like 
a  voice  from  those  mighty  masses  who  under  Napoleon  made  Europe  tremble 
almost  a  hundred  years  ago.  It  is  the  record  of  the  daily  doings  of  a  private 
soldier,  who  fought  in  many  great  campaigns.  They  are  marked  by  quaint  frank- 
ness and  na'iveti,  an  honest  noastfulness  thoroughly  Gallic,  and  a  keen  sense  ol 
the  picturesque  value  of  truth.  Nothing  like  these  memoirs  has  ever  been  pub- 
lished. They  are  original,  shrewd,  clever,  and  they  make  the  Napoleonic  days 
live  again. 

5  BRAMPTON   SKETCHES   of  Old   New-England  Life.     By   Mrs.  Mary  B. 

Claflin.      Illustrated.      i6mo.      Unique  binding.      $1.25. 

The  old  New  England  life  is  rapidly  fading,  not  only  from  existence,  but  even 
from  the  memory  of  people.  It  is  therefore  well  that  those  who  were  in  touch 
with  the  best  elements  of  this  quaint  and  homely  life  should  put  to  paper  ami 
perpetuate  its  traditions  and  half-forgotten  memories.  This  Mrs.  Claflin  has 
done  for  the  town  of  Hopkinton,  where  her  parents  lived,  and  Brampton  Sketches 
stand  out  as  a  truthful  record  of  a  peculiarly  interesting  provincial  town. 

6  GOLD  NAILS  tO  Hang  Memories  On.     A  rhyming  review,  under  their  Christian 

names,  of  old  acquaintances  in  history,  literature,  and  friendship.  By  Eli/a- 
uk rn  A.  Allen.    Svo,  gilt  edges.    $2.50. 

This  is  the  most  original  autograph  book  ever  published.  It  aims  to  give  a 
history  and  record  of  the  more  or  less  familiar  Christian  names,  and  at  the  same 
time  to  commemorate  the  most  familiar  and  famous  men  and  women  who  have 
borne  them.  The  book,  therefore,  has  not  only  an  interest  ot  its  own,  but  is 
distinctively  educational.     Spaces  arc  left  on  each  page  for  autographs. 

7  REAL  HAPPENINGS.    By  Mrs.  Mary  B.  Claflin.    i2mo,  booklet  style.    30c. 

Under  the  above  attractive  title,  Mrs.  Claflin  has  collected,  into  a  little  volume 
of  less  than  fifty  pages,  five  simple  unaffected  stories  from  actual  life.  They  are 
all  pleasantly  told,  and  are  filled  with  a  warm  feeling  of  love  and  humanity. 


THOMAS  Y.  CROWELL  &  CO,,  Publishers,  New  York, 


NEW  BOOKS  FOR  YOUNG  PEOPLE. 


1  TOM  BROWN'S  SCHOOL  DAYS 

By  Thomas  Hughes.     With  53  illustrations  engraved  by  Andrew,  carefully 

printed  from _  beautiful  type  on  calendered  paper.     i2mo,  cloth,  $2.00;  full  gilt, 

$2.50.     Edition   de  luxe,  limited  to  250  numbered  copies,  large   paper,  Japan 

proofs  mounted,  $5.00. 

Praise  or  comment  on  this  classic  would  be  a  work  of  supererogation.     Everv 

parent  sooner  or  later  puts  it  in  his  children's  hands.     We  can  only  say  that  the 

present  edition  is  by  all  odds  the  best  that  has  ever  been  offered  to  the  American 

public.     Printed  from  large  type,  well  illustrated,  and  handsomely  bound,  it  makes 

a  book  worthy  of  any  library. . 

2  FAMOUS   EUROPEAN  ARTISTS. 

By  Mrs.  Sarah  K.  Bolton,  author  of  "  Poor  Boys  Who  Became  Famous," 

etc.     With  portraits  of  Raphael,  Titian,  Landseer,  Reynolds,  Rubens,  Turner, 

and  others.     121110,  $1.50. 

In  this  Jiandsome  volume,  Mrs.  Bolton  relates  sympathetically,  and  with  her  usual 

skill  in  seizing  upon  salient  points,  the  lives  of  Sir  Joshua  Reynolds,  Turner,  and 

other  artists,  whose  names  are  household  words.    The  sketches  are  accompanied  by 

excellent  portraits. 

3  FAMOUS    ENGLISH    AUTHORS   OF   THE  19th 

CENTURY. 

By  Mrs.  Sarah  K.  Bolton,  author  of  "  Poor  Boys  Who  Became  Famous," 

etc.     With    portraits    of    Scott,    Burns,   Carlyle,    Dickens,  Tennyson,   Robert 

Browning,  etc.     i2mo,  $1.50. 

During  a  recent  visit  abroad,  Mrs.  Bolton  had  the  opportunity  of  visiting  many  of 

the  scenes  made  memorable  by  the  residence  or  writings  of  the  best  known  English 

authors,  and  the  incidents  which  she  was  thus  enabled  to  invest  with  a  personal 

interest,  she  has  woven  into  the  sketches  of  Tennyson,  Ruskin,  Browning,  and  the 

other  authors  of  whom  she  writes.    These  two  companion  volumes  are  among  the 

best  of  the  famous  "  Famous  "  Series. 

4  GOSPEL  STORIES. 

Translated  from  the  Russian  of  Count  L.  N.  Tolstoi  by  Nathan  Haskell 
Dole.     i2mo,  $1.25. 
Count  Tolstoi's  short  sketches  of  Russian  life,  inspired  generally  by  some  pregnant 
text  of  Scripture  and  written  for  the  masses,  perhaps  even   more  than  his   longer 
works  show  the  man's  real  greatness.     Sixteen  of  these,  selected  from  various  publi- 
cations, arc  here  presented  in  a  neat  and  attractive  volume. 

5  PHILIP,  or  What  May  Have  Been 

A  story  of  the  First  Century.     By  Mary  C.  Cutler.     i2mo,  $1.25. 
An  ;ippreciative  notice  of  this  story  contains  the  following  words  :  —  "  Reverence, 
accuracy,  a  chastened  feeling  of  perfect  sincerity,  pervade  this  book.  .  .  .  We  have 
nail  ii  through,  and  can  confidently  recommend  it  as  in  every  way  fitted  to  give  the 
old  familiar  facts  of  the  gospel  history  a  new  interest." 

6  HALF  A   DOZEN  BOYS. 

Bv  Annie  Chapin  Rav.  i2mo,  illustrated,  $1.25. 
This  is  a  genuine  story  of  boy  life.  The  six  heroes  are  capital  fellows,  such  as 
any  healthy  lad,  or  girl  either  for  that  matter,  will  feel  heart  warm  toward.  The 
simple  incidents  and  amusements  of  the  village  where  they  live  are  invested  with 
a  peculiar  charm  through  the  hearty  and  sympathetic  style  in  which  the  book  is 
written.     It  is  a  book  quite  worthy  of  Miss  Alcott's  pen. 


For  sale  by  all  booksellers. 


THOMAS  Y.  CEOWELL  &  CO.,  Publishers,  New  York, 


16  4  4  7  0 


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